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Day 346 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 18th Day of Advent 11 December 2024 reflections

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



1) Titus 1, Titus 2, Titus 3



Titus 1



Salutation



1 (Ro 1:1; 1Ti 6:3) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ,

according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth

which leads to godliness,

2 (2Ti 1:1; 1:9; Titus 2:13) in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot

lie, promised before the world began,

3 (1Ti 1:1; 1:1) 1and has in due time revealed His word through preaching,

with which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior,

4 (2Ti 1:2; 2Co 2:13) To Titus, my own son in the common faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus

Christ our Savior.



[1] Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the

faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after

godliness;

[2] In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the

world began;

[3] But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is

committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

[4] To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,

from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.



Titus' Work in Crete



5 (Ac 14:23; 27:7) For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should

set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city,

as I commanded you:

6 (1Ti 3:2-7; 3:12) any man who is blameless, the husband of one wife,

having faithful children who are not accused of being wild or unruly.

7 (Lk 12:42; 2Pe 2:10) For an overseer must be blameless, as a steward

of God, not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to drunkenness,

not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain,

8 (1Ti 3:2) but hospitable, a lover of what is good, self-controlled,

just, holy, temperate,

9 (1Ti 1:10; 2Th 2:15) holding firmly the trustworthy word that is in

accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort with

sound doctrine and to convince those who oppose it.

10 (1Ti 1:6; Ac 11:2) For there are many unruly men, empty talkers

and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,

11 (2Ti 3:6; 1Ti 6:5) who must be silenced, who subvert whole houses

by teaching for dishonest gain things they ought not teach.

12 (Ac 17:28) One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "The Cretans are

always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons!"

13 (2Co 13:10; Titus 2:2) This witness is true. So rebuke them sharply

that they may be sound in the faith,

14 (Col 2:22; 2Ti 4:4) not paying attention to Jewish myths

and commandments of men who reject the truth.

15 (Ro 14:20; 14:23) To the pure, all things are pure.

But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.

Even their minds and consciences are defiled.

16 (1Jn 2:4; Rev 21:8) They profess that they know God,

but in their deeds they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient,

and worthless for every good work.



[5] For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order

the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had

appointed thee:

[6] If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children

not accused of riot or unruly.

[7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled,

not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

[8] But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy,

temperate;

[9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be

able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

[10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially

they of the circumcision:

[11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things

which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

[12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are

alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

[13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be

sound in the faith;

[14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn

from the truth.

[15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and

unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

[16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being

abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.



Titus 2



The Teaching of Sound Doctrine



1 (1Ti 1:10; Titus 1:9) But as for you,

teach what is fitting of sound doctrine:

2 (1Ti 3:11; Titus 1:13) Older men should be sober, serious, temperate,

sound in faith, in love, in patience.

3 (1Ti 3:8; 3:11) Likewise, older women should be reverent in behaviour,

and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers

of good things,

4 (1Ti 5:14) that they may teach the young women to love their husbands,

to love their children,

5 (1Ti 6:1; Ge 3:16) and to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, good,

obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonoured.

6 (1Ti 5:1) Likewise, exhort young men to be self-controlled,

7 (1Ti 4:12; 1Pe 5:3) in all things presenting yourself as an example of good

works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, incorruptibility,

8 (1Pe 2:12; Ne 5:9) and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that

the one who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

9 Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to please them well

in everything, not answering back,

10 (Mt 5:16; Titus 1:3) or stealing, but showing complete fidelity, so that

they may exemplify the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

11 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 11:23) For the grace of God that brings salvation

has appeared to all men,

12 (Lk 1:75; Ro 6:19) teaching us that, denying ungodliness

and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously,

and in godliness in this present world,

13 (2Ti 4:8; Titus 1:2) as we await the blessed hope and the appearing

of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

14 (Eph 2:10; Heb 9:14) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us

from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people,

zealous of good works.

15 (2Ti 4:2; 1Ti 5:20) Teach these things, exhort, and rebuke with all

authority. Let no one despise you.



[1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

[2] That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in

charity, in patience.

[3] The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,

not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

[4] That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands,

to love their children,

[5] To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own

husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

[6] Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

[7] In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine

shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

[8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary

part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

[9] Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please

them well in all things; not answering again;

[10] Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the

doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

[12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live

soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

[13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great

God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

[14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and

purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

[15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no

man despise thee.



Titus 3



Maintain Good Deeds



1 (2Ti 2:21; Ecc 10:4) Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities,

to obey them, to be ready for every good work,

2 (1Ti 3:3; 2Ti 2:24-25) to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious,

but gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.

3 (Col 3:7) We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving

various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred

and hating each other.

4 (Titus 2:10-11) But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour

toward mankind appeared,

5 (Ro 12:2; 1Pe 3:21) not by works of righteousness which we have done,

but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth

and the renewal of the Holy Spirit,

6 (Ro 5:5; Joel 2:28) whom He poured out on us abundantly through

Jesus Christ our Saviour,

7 (Ro 8:17; Titus 1:2) so that, being justified by His grace, we might

become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 (1Ti 1:15; Titus 2:14) This is a faithful saying, and these things I want

you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be

careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to

everyone.

9 (2Ti 2:14; 2:23) But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, contentions,

and arguments about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless.

10 (Ro 16:17; 2Jn 1:10) Reject a divisive man after a first and second

admonition,

11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.



[1] Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey

magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

[2] To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all

meekness unto all men.

[3] For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,

serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and

hating one another.

[4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man

appeared,

[5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his

mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy

Ghost;

[6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

[7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to

the hope of eternal life.

[8] This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm

constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to

maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

[9] But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and

strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

[10] A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

[11] Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned

of himself.



Personal Instructions and Greetings



12 (Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:9) When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent

to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

13 (Ac 18:24; Mt 22:35) Diligently send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos

on their journey. See that they lack nothing.

14 (Php 1:11; Col 1:10) And let our people also learn to continue doing good

works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unproductive.

15 (Col 4:18) All who are with me greet you.

Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all. Amen.



[12] When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come

unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

[13] Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that

nothing be wanting unto them.

[14] And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that

they be not unfruitful.

[15] All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all. Amen.



2) Our Daily Bread for 11 December 2024

God Will Answer



Jeremiah 29:10-14



Joseph Reassures His Brothers



10 (Jer 25:12; 27:22) For thus says the Lord: When seventy years have been

completed for Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you,

in causing you to return to this place.

11 (Ps 40:5; Jer 30:18-22) For I know the plans that I have for you,

says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future

and a hope.

12 (Jer 33:3; Ps 50:15) Then you shall call upon Me, and you shall come

and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

13 (Jer 24:7; 2Ch 22:9) You shall seek Me and find Me, when you shall search

for Me with all your heart.

14 (Jer 30:3; Ps 32:6) I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will turn

away your captivity and gather you from all the nations

and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord,

and I will bring you back into the place from

where I caused you to be carried away captive.



[10] For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at

Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing

you to return to this place.

[11] For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD,

thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

[12] Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I

will hearken unto you.

[13] And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with

all your heart.

[14] And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your

captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the

places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again

into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.



When Pastor Timothy wears his preacher collar while traveling, he often gets

stopped by strangers. "Pray for me, please," people in the airport say when

they see the clerical band atop his simple dark suit. On a recent flight, a

woman knelt by his seat when she noticed him, pleading: "Are you a pastor?

Would you pray for me?" And Pastor Timothy prayed.



A passage in Jeremiah sheds light on why we perceive that God hears

and answers prayer: God cares! He assured His beloved but sinful, exiled

people, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to

prosper you and not to harm you'" (29:11). God anticipated a time when they

would return to Him. "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me," He

said, "and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me

with all your heart" (vv. 12-13).



The prophet learned this and more about prayer while confined to prison. God

assured him, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great

and unsearchable things you do not know" (33:3).



Jesus also urges us to pray. "Your Father knows what you need before you ask

him," He said (Matthew 6:8). So "ask," "seek," and "knock" in prayer (7:7).

Every petition we make draws us closer to the one who answers. We don't have

to be a stranger to God in prayer. He knows us and wants to hear from us.

We can take our concerns to Him right now.



By: Patricia Raybon



Reflect & Pray



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



Your care and knowledge of me

inspire my prayers, dear God. Thank You for answering.



Discover the joys and depth of prayer.






3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



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



Joshua 1:8



8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.

Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according

to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful,

and you will be wise.



8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt

meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according

to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,

and then thou shalt have good success.



When God spoke these words to Joshua, the young leader's prospects for

"prosperity" and "success" were far from promising. Upon Moses' death,

Joshua was appointed to lead Israel into the Promised Land, to claim

the territory and establish a nation under God's rule.

Joshua was afraid, and for good reason. The people were rebellious

and intractable. And "claiming the land" meant battling many strong enemies.

Yet God told Joshua that his strength would come not in preparing for battle,

but in preparing for battle, but in preparing himself by meditating

on and applying God's word to his life.

We, too, face difficult battles as we seek to enter the "Promised Land"

of God's peace and presence. But his promise is the same as it was to Joshua:

through obedience to the Word, we can find prosperity and success.

God's promise does not necessarily mean financial prosperity

or material success. These victories may come as well, but God's primary

purpose for his people is spiritual success - the victory and joy of living

in fellowship with him. We can be enriched in the knowledge of God and

find power to overcome the enemies of sin and self. The way may not be easy

- after all, there is no victory without conflict - but God promises

that we will succeed as we look to him.



Application



a) What image do I have a personal "Promised Land" that I long

to enter and claim as my own?



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



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

prosperity and success?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Deut 30:19-20



19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,

that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.

Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,

that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,

for He is your life and the length of your days;

and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord

swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.



19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,

that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:

therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,

and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:

for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:

that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD

sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.



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



God's Freeing Forgiveness



Ps 103:1-14



PSALMS 103



A Psalm of David.



1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all His benefits,

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,

who heals all your diseases,

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The Lord does righteousness

and justice for all who are oppressed.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,

His acts to the people of Israel.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,

neither will He keep his anger forever.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities.

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,

so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,

so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.

14 For He knows how we are formed;

He remembers that we are dust.



Psalm 103



A Psalm of David.



1 Bless the LORD, O my soul:

And all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;

Who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;

Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;

So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment

For all that are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways unto Moses,

His acts unto the children of Israel.

8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,

Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

9 He will not always chide:

Neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;

Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,

So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west,

So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

13 Like as a father pitieth his children,

So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

14 For he knoweth our frame;

He remembereth that we are dust.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.





6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,

they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.

To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million

Islamic Centre.



Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to

spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.



Nunavut (NU)



NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86



The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed

80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.



Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -



Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)



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



http://www.ehc.ca



11th Day of the Month



a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,

city or community, and in Canada.



(



Ps 86:12



12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,

and I will glorify Your name forever.



12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:

And I will glorify thy name for evermore.



John 12:28



28 "Father, glorify Your name."

Then a voice came from heaven, saying,

"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."



28 Father, glorify thy name.

Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,

I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.



)



b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick



I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, that God's Spirit would influence

then to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.

( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,

that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of

God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved

and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



II) Pray for the churches of the province,

that they would be lighthouses beaming forth

the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding

the Hope Campaign and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus



)



Advent Day 18



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



Wednesday. Third Week of Advent



"The Scotch catechism says that man's end is 'to glorify God and enjoy Him

forever'. But we shall then know that these are the same thing. Fully to

enjoy is to glorify. In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us

to enjoy Him." - C. S. Lewis



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



Enjoying God



When we set aside the flurry of activity that so often comes in December,

we can almost hear the message of the angels. They in­vited the shepherds

not to be afraid, but to give glory to God. Lewis tells us that when they

did this, the angels were inviting them to enjoy God.



Aren't we, too, being invited in this holy season to give glory to God?

God doesn't really need our praise and glory, but he knows that we need

to lift up our hearts. We need to lift up our eyes unto the hills,

from whence our help comes, and see the glory that will be revealed to us.



Narnia can help us to do that. Narnia contains many pleasures, and they all

come from God. The gifts of Father Christmas to Peter, Susan, and Lucy

are some of those pleasures. The crowning of the four children to be Kings

and Queens of Narnia are another. The arrival of Reepicheep, the talking

mouse, in Aslan's country is a third. God gave Lewis the vision.

In enjoying his vision, we are enjoying God.



Even in the midst of suffering, we need this reminder. St. Paul tells us,

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with

the glory that will be revealed to us" (Rom. 8:18). When we give glory to God,

it reminds us of the glory that will be revealed to us. And we find joy

in this glory. That's one reason why the message was "good news

of great joy" (Luke 2:10), not only for the shepherds,

but "for all the people"-including us.



Glory to you, 0 Lord. Praise to you, 0 Christ.

Glory to God in the highest. Amen.



Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.



Luke 2:14



From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn



WEDNESDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT



The Gift of a Child



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



-Luke 1:57



Because our culture has basically disregarded God, our society

at large does not appreciate what a colossal treasure

from God a child is! Some women, including me, for mainly medical reasons,

can't bear children and for that reason comprehend much more deeply

how precious such a gift is.



Elizabeth, too, had not been able to bear children earlier in her youth,

and it was incontrovertibly miraculous that she could give birth

now in her older years. Her friends and relatives knew what

an enormous benevolence from God this child was-the text says that

they had "heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to [Elizabeth]"

-so they enthusiastically joined her in rejoicing.

What a splendid celebration they must have had!





What cherished blessing have you received from the Lord lately?

Do you need to prize afresh your spouse or children as treasures from God?

Perhaps your God-given gifts include friends, colleagues

or relatives who bring you mercy and grace.



prayer



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



Read Luke 1:57-58.



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

58 Her neighbours and cousins heard how the Lord had shown her great mercy,

and they rejoiced with her.



From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



THIRD WEDNESDAY

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

Therefore be patient, brothers,

until the coming of the Lord. JAMES 5:7



Have you heard the story of Grandma saying to Grandpa, "What are

you doing?" Grandpa slowly responds, "How soon do you need to know?"

Patience, patience, patience.

In the book Power of Pause, Terry Hershey tells the story of a little girl

who says. "Shh, Mom, listen." "What am I listening to?" asks Mom

The girl responds, "If you are quiet and listen, you can hear God talking

to us." Patience, patience, patience.

The AH-HA of awaiting is the call to be patient, and to be quiet in order

to hear the Lord in the big and little events of our lives. "The first duty

of love is to wait," said a patient man named Tillich. Are you ever like I am

when I anxiously wait for someone to stop talking so I can say something

"brilliant" ? As one comic quipped. "No one really listens to anyone else, and

if you ever try to for a while, you'll know why!" Patience. patience. patience.

Just for today. try to really listen to someone with your entire self.

And then keep going back to re-read James 5 . .. over and over.

Patience, patience, patience.

Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:

Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love

people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!

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



Read James 5:7-11



7 (Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24) Therefore be patient, brothers,

until the coming of the Lord. Notice how the farmer waits for the precious

fruit of the earth and is patient with it until he receives the early

and late rain.

8 (1Pe 4:7; Php 4:5) You also be patient. Establish your hearts,

for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.

9 (Mt 24:33; 1Co 4:5) Do not grumble against one another, brothers,

lest you be condemned. Look, the Judge is standing at the door.

10 (Ac 7:52; Heb 11:32-38) My brothers, take the prophets,

who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.

11 (Ex 34:6; Job 1:21-22) Indeed we count them happy who endure.

You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord,

that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.



From On Eagle's wings Day 11



A Time of Discovery

19 (1Co 3:16; Jn 2:21) What? Do you not know that your body is the temple

of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God,

and that you are not your own?

19 (1Co 3:16; Jn 2:21) What? Do you not know that your body is the temple

of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God,

and that you are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:19

One year, when I was serving on the Blood Reserve in Southern

Alberta, among the Black Foot people, I decided to build a Nativity

set in front of the church to bring the spirit of Christmas closer to

the people. Someone from the community brought some straw, I

found old statues of Mary and Joseph in the church, someone else

got a baby doll for the manger, and we put lights all around. Soon,

a simple but nice Nativity was ready for people to reflect on and

see that the birth of Christ was coming. Many were stopping every

evening to take pictures or just to see the reminder that Christmas

was coming.

At that time, I had my old dog, a big Alaskan Malamute named

Spike. On the first night, he got into the crib and tore apart the little

"baby Jesus," So, I lost my baby Jesus! A few days later, a woman

from the community mentioned the missing baby Jesus, so I shared

the story with her. She then told me that when she noticed the

absence, she realised that baby Jesus was no longer in the manger

but in her heart, and in the hearts of those around her. She said it

was a very nice feeling when she realised that.

"Gee," I thought, "even my dog helped people realise that Christ is

in us!" Advent reminds us of Christ's presence within us. The peace

and joy we celebrate only make sense if Christ, who is that peace

and joy, is in us.

Father in heaven, this Advent let us discover again that we are

your children created in your own image and, because of our

baptism, that Christ is in us. Let us rediscover that there is

peace and joy in Jesus Christ. In his name, Amen.

Written by Fr. Les Kwiatkowski, Wabasca, AB, 2010

On Eagle’s Wings Supporte



Conclusion:



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



Pray to the Lord: "Your care and knowledge of me

inspire my prayers, dear God. Thank You for answering."



Pray to the Lord and pray that the Word of the Lord

will not depart from your mouth.



Pray to the Lord and pray to choose life.



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



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,

city or community, and in Canada.



Glory to you, O Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Glory to God in the highest. Amen.



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



Pray: Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:

Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love

people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!

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



Father in heaven, this Advent let us discover again that we are

your children created in your own image and, because of our

baptism, that Christ is in us. Let us rediscover that there is

peace and joy in Jesus Christ. In his name, Amen.





Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.



Remember eternity starts now -

Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.

ChatGPT reviews Doctors Who - Mummy in the Orient Express

**Review of "Mummy on the Orient Express"**



In "Mummy on the Orient Express," the Doctor and Clara find themselves aboard a luxurious, space-bound version of the Orient Express, where passengers are being mysteriously killed by a creature only they can see—a terrifying mummy. With a strict countdown of 66 seconds to death for each victim, the tension is palpable as the Doctor works to solve the mystery before the creature strikes again.



The episode thrives on its unique blend of horror, mystery, and vintage glamour. The train’s art-deco-inspired interiors and period costumes create a stylish, immersive setting. Director Paul Wilmshurst expertly builds tension, with the mummy's appearances choreographed to evoke dread. The design of the Foretold, the episode’s central villain, is genuinely chilling—a tattered, decaying figure that feels like an unstoppable force of nature.



Peter Capaldi shines as the Twelfth Doctor, balancing his cold, calculating nature with moments of warmth and empathy. His methodical unraveling of the mystery highlights his intelligence, though his seemingly indifferent approach to the deaths pushes Clara to her emotional limits. Jenna Coleman delivers a strong performance as Clara, navigating her character’s conflicted feelings about continuing her travels with the Doctor after the events of "Kill the Moon." Their dynamic evolves further, with Clara’s frustration adding depth to their relationship.



The supporting cast is solid, particularly Frank Skinner as Perkins, the train’s engineer, who provides humor and insight without feeling intrusive. The passengers, though less developed, serve their roles in advancing the plot, particularly in heightening the stakes as the mummy’s victims mount.



The resolution of the Foretold’s mystery is satisfying and ties neatly into the episode’s central theme: the lengths to which people will go to survive. The revelation that the mummy is a soldier trapped in an endless cycle of killing adds poignancy to an otherwise terrifying entity. The Doctor’s solution—to declare surrender and break the cycle—is clever and consistent with his character's reliance on intellect over brute force.



Murray Gold’s score complements the episode’s atmosphere, oscillating between eerie and triumphant as the story unfolds. The pacing is brisk, though it allows room for character moments, such as Clara’s heartfelt conversations with the Doctor and her phone call with Danny.



Where the episode slightly falters is in its thematic follow-through. The moral implications of the Doctor’s decisions—particularly his willingness to let people die for the sake of solving the puzzle—are touched on but not fully explored. While this adds to the complexity of Capaldi’s Doctor, it could leave viewers wanting a deeper reckoning.



**Final Rating: 92/100**

"Mummy on the Orient Express" is a stylish, suspenseful episode that masterfully combines horror and intrigue. With a memorable villain, strong performances, and a gripping mystery, it stands out as one of the Twelfth Doctor’s best adventures. Its exploration of morality and survival adds weight to the thrills, even if some themes remain underdeveloped.

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - The God Complex

## Doctor Who: The God Complex - A Deep Dive into the Doctor's Ego (8/10)



Based on the information from the transcript website



(http://www.chakoteya.net/DoctorWho/32-11.htm),
"The God Complex" seems

like an introspective episode exploring the Doctor's psyche. Here's a review:



**The Doctor's Dark Side:**



**Hotel of Fears:** Each room containing the visitor's deepest fear creates

a unique opportunity to delve into the Doctor's psyche.



**Addiction to Hero Worship:** The episode might explore the Doctor's

potential dependence on being seen as a savior.



**Character Development and Relationships:**



**The Doctor's Reflection:** Confronting his own worst fear can be

a turning point for the Doctor, forcing him to confront his flaws.



**Impact on Companions:** The episode might showcase how the Doctor's

actions can affect his companions, like Amy confronting him about his hero

complex.



**Potential Weaknesses:**



**Limited Setting:** The episode takes place entirely in the hotel,

potentially feeling confined.



**Abstract Threat:** The Doctor's internal struggles might not be

a compelling villain for some viewers.



**Overall Impression:**



"The God Complex" seems like an intriguing episode that delves into

the Doctor's psyche and explores the potential dangers of his hero status.

The hotel setting creates a unique platform for this exploration, and the

Doctor's confrontation with his fears could lead to significant character

development. While the limited setting and abstract threat might be drawbacks

for some viewers, the focus on the Doctor's internal struggles offers

a fresh perspective on the character.



**Rating:** 8/10



**Overall, "The God Complex" is a must-watch for fans who enjoy deeper dives

into the Doctor's character. It tackles the potential pitfalls of his role as

a hero and offers a chance to see him in a vulnerable light.**

Day 345 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 17th Day of Advent 10 December 2024 reflections

Day 345, 10 December 2024 - 17 Day of Advent



1) 1 Timothy 1, 1 Timothy 2, 1 Timothy 3, 1 Timothy 4, 1 Timothy 5,

1 Timothy 6



1 Timothy 1



Salutation



1 (Titus 1:3; Col 1:27; Lk 1:47) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by

the command of God our Savior, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,

2 (2Ti 1:2; Titus 1:4; Ro 1:7) To Timothy, my true son in the faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.



[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour,

and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

[2] Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God

our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.



Warning Against False Doctrine



3 (Gal 1:6-7; 1Ti 6:3) As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,

continue to remain at Ephesus so that you might command some to teach

no other doctrine,

4 (1Ti 4:7; Titus 1:14) nor pay attention to fables and endless genealogies,

which cause debates rather than godly edifying, which is in faith.

5 (2Ti 1:5; 2:22) Now the goal of this command is love from a pure heart,

and from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.

6 (Titus 1:10) From this, some have lost their way and turned aside

to empty talk,

7 (1Ti 6:4) desiring to be teachers of the law, and understanding

neither what they say nor what they affirm.

8 (Ro 7:16) But we know that the law is good if someone uses it lawfully.

9 (Gal 5:23; 3:19) And we know that the law is not given for a righteous

person, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners,

for the unholy and the profane, for those who kill their fathers and mothers,

for murderers,

10 (2Ti 4:3; Lev 18:22) for the sexually immoral, for sodomites, for slave

traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for anything else that is contrary

to sound doctrine,

11 (Gal 2:7; 2Co 4:4) according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God,

which was committed to my trust.



[3] As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into

Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

[4] Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister

questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

[5] Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a

good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

[6] From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;

[7] Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say,

nor whereof they affirm.

[8] But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

[9] Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the

lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and

profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

[10] For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for

menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other

thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

[11] According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was

committed to my trust.



Thankfulness for Mercy



12 (Php 4:13; Ac 9:15) I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me,

because He counted me faithful and appointed me to the ministry.

13 (Ac 8:3; 3:17) I was previously a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an

insolent man. But I was shown mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

14 (2Ti 1:13) The grace of our Lord overflowed with the faith

and love which is in Christ Jesus.

15 (1Ti 3:1; 2Ti 2:11) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance,

that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

16 (1Ti 1:13; Eph 2:7) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me,

first, Jesus Christ might show all patience, as an example to those who were

to believe in Him for eternal life.

17 (Col 1:15; Mt 6:13) Now to the eternal, immortal, invisible King, the only

wise God, be honor and glory forever. Amen.

18 (1Ti 4:14; 1:2) This command I commit to you, my son Timothy, according

to the prophecies that were previously given to you, that by them you might

fight a good fight,

19 (1Ti 1:5; 3:9) keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have

rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.

20 (2Ti 2:17; Ac 13:45) Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have

delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.



[12] And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he

counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

[13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I

obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

[14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love

which is in Christ Jesus.

[15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ

Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

[16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ

might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should

hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

[17] Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be

honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

[18] This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the

prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good

warfare;

[19] Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away

concerning faith have made shipwreck:

[20] Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan,

that they may learn not to blaspheme.



1 Timothy 2



Instructions Concerning Prayer



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 Saviour,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved and to come

to the knowledge of the truth.

5 (Gal 3:20; 1Co 8:6; Dt 6:4) There is one God and one mediator between God

and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

6 (1Co 1:6; 1Ti 6:15) who gave Himself as a ransom for all.

This was the testimony given at the proper time.

7 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle

(I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles

in faith and truth.

8 (Ps 134:2; Jn 4:21) Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting

up holy hands, without wrath or contentiousness.

9 In like manner also, that women clothe themselves in modest clothing, with

decency and self-control, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive

clothing,

10 but with good works, which is proper for women professing godliness.

11 Let a woman learn in silence with all obedience.

12 (1Co 14:34) I do not permit a woman to teach or to usurp authority

over a man, but to be silent.

13 (Ge 2:22; 2:7) For Adam was formed first, then Eve.

14 (Ge 3:6; 2Co 11:3) And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being

deceived, fell into sin.

15 (1Ti 1:14) Yet she will be saved in childbearing if they continue

in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.



[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.

[3] For 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.

[5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man

Christ Jesus;

[6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

[7] Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth

in Christ, and lie not; ) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

[8] I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands,

without wrath and doubting.

[9] In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with

shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or

costly array;

[10] But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

[11] Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

[12] But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man,

but to be in silence.

[13] For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

[14] And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the

transgression.

[15] Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in

faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.



1 Timothy 3



Qualifications of Overseers



1 (Ac 20:28; 1Ti 1:15; Ac 1:20) This is a faithful saying: If a man desires

the office of an overseer, he desires a good work.

2 (1Ti 5:9; 2Ti 2:24) An overseer then must be blameless, the husband

of one wife, sober, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach;

3 (Titus 1:7; 1Ti 3:8; Lev 10:9) not given to drunkenness, not violent, not

greedy for money, but patient, not argumentative, not covetous;

4 (1Ti 3:12; Titus 1:6) and one who manages his own house well, having his

children in submission with all reverence.

5 (1Ti 3:15) For if a man does not know how to manage his own house, how will

he take care of the church of God?

6 (1Ti 6:4) He must not be newly converted, so that he does not become

prideful and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7 (2Ti 2:26; 1Ti 6:9) Moreover he must have a good reputation among those who

are outsiders, so that he does not fall into reproach and the snare of the

devil.



[1] This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he

desireth a good work.

[2] A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant,

sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

[3] Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient,

not a brawler, not covetous;

[4] One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection

with all gravity;

[5] (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care

of the church of God?)

[6] Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the

condemnation of the devil.

[7] Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he

fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.



Qualifications of Deacons



8 (Php 1:1; Titus 2:3; Lev 10:9) Likewise deacons must be serious,

not insincere, not given to much wine, not greedy,

9 (1Ti 1:19; 1:5) keeping the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10 (1Ti 5:22) And let them first be tested; then, being found blameless,

let them serve as deacons.

11 (Titus 2:3; 2Ti 3:3; 1Ti 3:2) Likewise, their wives must be serious,

not slanderers, sober, and faithful in all things.

12 (1Ti 3:2) Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife,

managing their children and their own houses well.

13 (Mt 25:21) For those who have served well in the office of deacon

purchase for themselves good standing and great boldness in the faith,

which is in Christ Jesus.



[8] Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much

wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

[9] Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

[10] And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a

deacon, being found blameless.

[11] Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in

all things.

[12] Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and

their own houses well.

[13] For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to

themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ

Jesus.



The Mystery of Our Religion



14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you shortly,

15 (Mt 16:16; 18:18) but if I am delayed, you might know how you ought

to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living

God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

16 (Jn 1:14; Heb 1:3; Mk 16:19) Without question, great is the mystery

of godliness:

God was revealed in the flesh,

justified in the Spirit,

seen by angels,

preached to the Gentiles,

believed on in the world,

taken up into glory.



[14] These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

[15] But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave

thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the

pillar and ground of the truth.

[16] And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was

manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached

unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.



1 Timothy 4



Prediction of Apostasy



1 (Jn 16:13; 2Pe 3:3) Now the Spirit clearly says that in the last times

some will depart from the faith and pay attention to seducing spirits

and doctrines of devils,

2 (Eph 4:19) speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their consciences seared

with a hot iron,

3 (Ro 14:6; Heb 13:4) forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain

from foods, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving

by those who believe and know the truth.

4 (Ge 1:31; Ro 14:14) For everything created by God is good, and not to

be refused if it is received with thanksgiving,

5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.



[1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall

depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of

devils;

[2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot

iron;

[3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God

hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know

the truth.

[4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be

received with thanksgiving:

[5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.



A Good Minister of Christ Jesus



6 (1Ti 1:10) If you remind the brothers of these things, you will be a good

minister of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of faith and of good

doctrine, which you have followed closely.

7 (1Ti 1:4; 2Ti 2:16; Heb 5:14) But refuse profane and foolish myths.

Instead, exercise in the ways of godliness.

8 (Mt 6:33; 1Ti 6:6) For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness

is profitable in all things, holding promise for the present life

and also for the life to come.

9 (1Ti 1:15) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.

10 (1Ti 2:4; 3:15) For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach,

because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men,

especially of those who believe.

11 (1Ti 6:2; 5:7) Command and teach these things.

12 (2Ti 2:22; Titus 2:7) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example

to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,

and in purity.

13 Until I come, give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine.

14 (2Ti 1:6; Ac 6:6; 1Ti 1:18) Do not neglect the gift that is in you,

which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of hands

by the elders.

15 Meditate on these things. Give yourself completely to them,

that your progress may be known to everyone.

16 (Titus 2:7; Ro 11:14) Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.

Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself

and those who hear you.



[6] If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a

good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of

good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

[7] But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather

unto godliness.

[8] For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto

all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to

come.

[9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

[10] For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in

the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that

believe.

[11] These things command and teach.

[12] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers,

in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

[13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

[14] Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy,

with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

[15] Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy

profiting may appear to all.

[16] Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in

doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.



1 Timothy 5



Duties Toward Others



1 (Lev 19:32; Titus 2:6) Do not rebuke an elder, but exhort him as a father,

the younger men as brothers,

2 the elder women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, with complete

purity.

3 (Ac 6:1; 9:39) Honor widows that are widows indeed.

4 (1Ti 2:3; Ge 45:10-11) But if any widow has children or grandchildren,

let them learn first to show piety at home and to repay their parents.

For this is good and acceptable before God.

5 (Lk 2:37; 1Ti 5:3) Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts

in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.

6 (Lk 15:24; Jas 5:5) But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.

7 (1Ti 4:11) And these things command, that they may be blameless.

8 (Titus 1:16; Gal 6:10) But if any do not care for their own,

and especially for those of their own house, they have denied the faith

and are worse than unbelievers.

9 (1Ti 3:2) Do not let a widow be counted unless she is over sixty years old,

has been the wife of one man,

10 (1Ti 6:18; Titus 3:8) is well attested in good works, if she has brought

up children, has lodged strangers, has washed the saints' feet, has relieved

the afflicted, and has diligently followed every good work.

11 (1Ti 5:14) But refuse the younger widows, for when their sensual desires

have drawn them away from Christ, they want to marry,

12 and bring judgment on themselves, because they have cast off their

first pledge.

13 (Pr 20:19; Titus 1:11) Besides that, they learn to be idle, and not only

idle, wandering around from house to house, but also gossips and busybodies,

saying what they ought not.

14 (Titus 2:5; 1Ti 6:1; 4:3) Therefore I desire that the younger women marry,

bear children, manage the house, and give no occasion to the adversary

to speak reproachfully.

15 For some have already turned aside after Satan.

16 (1Ti 5:3-5) If any believing man or woman has widows, let those assist

them. Do not let the church be charged, so that it may relieve those

who are widows indeed.

17 (Ro 12:8; Php 2:29) Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy

of double honour, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

18 (Dt 25:4; Lev 19:13; Mt 10:10) For the Scripture says, "You shall not

muzzle the ox that treads out the grain,"(Dt 25:4.) and, "The laborer is

worthy of his reward."(Lk 10:7.)

19 (Dt 19:15; Mt 18:16) Do not receive an accusation against an elder,

except before two or three witnesses.

20 (Dt 13:11; 2Ti 4:2) Rebuke in the presence of everyone those who sin,

that the rest also may fear.

21 (1Ti 6:13; 2Ti 4:1) I command you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ

and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice,

doing nothing by partiality.

22 (Ac 6:6; Eph 5:11) Do not lay hands suddenly on anyone, and do not

partake of other men's sins. Keep yourself pure.

23 (1Ti 3:8; Ps 104:15) No longer drink only water, but use a little wine

for your stomach's sake and your frequent illnesses.

24 Some men's sins are evident, pointing to judgment,

but other men's sins are revealed later.

25 Likewise, the good works of some are evident,

but those that are not cannot be hidden.



[1] Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as

brethren;

[2] The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

[3] Honour widows that are widows indeed.

[4] But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew

piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable

before God.

[5] Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and

continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

[6] But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

[7] And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

[8] But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own

house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

[9] Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old,

having been the wife of one man,

[10] Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if

she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have

relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

[11] But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton

against Christ, they will marry;

[12] Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

[13] And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house;

and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which

they ought not.

[14] I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the

house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

[15] For some are already turned aside after Satan.

[16] If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them,

and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows

indeed.

[17] Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour,

especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

[18] For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out

the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

[19] Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three

witnesses.

[20] Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

[21] I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect

angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before

another, doing nothing by partiality.

[22] Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins:

keep thyself pure.

[23] Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and

thine often infirmities.

[24] Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some

men they follow after.

[25] Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they

that are otherwise cannot be hid.



1 Timothy 6



1 (Titus 2:5; Isa 52:5) Let as many servants as are under the yoke of slavery

count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His

doctrine may not be slandered.

2 (1Ti 4:11) Let those who have believing masters not despise them, because

they are brothers. Instead, let them serve as slaves, because those who

receive their service are faithful and beloved.



[1] Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters

worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not

blasphemed.

[2] And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because

they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and

beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.



False Teaching and True Wealth



Teach and command these things.

3 (1Ti 1:3; 1:10) Anyone who teaches otherwise and does not consent

to wholesome words, to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to godly

doctrine

4 (1Ti 1:4; 3:6) is conceited and knows nothing. He has a morbid

disposition for controversy and verbal disputes, from which come envy,

strife, blasphemies, evil speculations,

5 (2Ti 3:8; Titus 1:11) constant disputes by men of corrupt minds, being

destitute of the truth, and supposing that financial gain is godliness.

Withdraw yourself from such men.

6 (1Ti 4:8; Heb 13:5) But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 (Job 1:21; Ps 49:17) For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain that we can carry nothing out.

8 (Ge 28:20) If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with

these things.

9 (Pr 15:27; 1Ti 3:7) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation

and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men

in ruin and destruction.

10 (Dt 16:19) For the love of money is the root of all evil.

While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith

and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.



[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the

words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to

godliness;

[4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of

words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

[5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth,

supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain.

[7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry

nothing out.

[8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

[9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into

many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and

perdition.

[10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted

after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with

many sorrows.



The Good Fight of Faith



11 (2Ti 2:22; 3:17) But you, O man of God, escape these things, and follow

after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

12 (1Ti 1:18; 1Co 9:25-66) Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold

on eternal life, to which you are called and have professed

a good profession before many witnesses.

13 (1Ti 5:21; Mt 27:11) I command you, in the sight of God, who gives

life to all things, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who testified

a good confession before Pontius Pilate,

14 to keep this commandment without blemish, blameless

until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 (1Ti 1:11; Rev 17:14) which He, who is the blessed and only Ruler,

the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the proper time.

16 (1Ti 1:17; Jn 1:18; Ps 104:2) He alone has immortality, living in

unapproachable light, whom no one has seen, nor can see.

To Him be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

17 (Ro 11:20; 1Ti 4:10) Command those who are rich in this world that

they not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God,

who richly gives us all things to enjoy.

18 (Ro 12:8; 12:13) Command that they do good, that they be rich in good

works, generous, willing to share,

19 (Lk 16:9; 1Ti 6:12) and laying up in store for themselves a good

foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.

20 (Col 2:8; 2Ti 2:16) O Timothy, guard that which is committed to your trust.

Avoid profane babblings and opposing views from so-called knowledge.

21 (2Ti 2:18; Col 4:18) By professing it, some have erred concerning

the faith.

Grace be with you. Amen.



[11] But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after

righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

[12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou

art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

[13] I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and

before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

[14] That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the

appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

[15] Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only

Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

[16] Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can

approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and

power everlasting. Amen.

[17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,

nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly

all things to enjoy;

[18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to

distribute, willing to communicate;

[19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to

come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

[20] O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane

and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

[21] Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with

thee. Amen.



2) Our Daily Bread for 10 December 2024 Titled

The Perfect Gift



Acts 3:1-10



The Lame Man Healed at the Temple Gate



1 (Ps 55:17; Ac 10:30) Now Peter and John went up together to the temple

at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer.

2 (Lk 16:20; Jn 9:8) A man lame from birth was being carried,

whom people placed daily at the gate of the temple called Beautiful

to ask alms from those who entered the temple.

3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms.

4 Peter, gazing at him with John, said, "Look at us."

5 So he paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them.

6 (Ac 3:16; 4:10) Then Peter said, "I have no silver and gold,

but I give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

rise up and walk."

7 He took him by the right hand and raised him up.

Immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened.

8 (Ac 14:10; Isa 35:6) Jumping up, he stood and walked

and entered the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God.

9 (Ac 4:16; 4:21) All the people saw him walking and praising God.

10 (Ac 3:2) They knew that it was he who sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate

of the temple. And they were filled with wonder and amazement

at what happened to him.



[1] Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of

prayer, being the ninth hour.

[2] And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they

laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms

of them that entered into the temple;

[3] Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

[4] And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

[5] And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

[6] Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I

thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

[7] And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately

his feet and ancle bones received strength.

[8] And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the

temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

[9] And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

[10] And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate

of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which

had happened unto him.



While I was on an outreach during a short-term mission trip to Peru, a young

man asked me for money. For security reasons, my team had been instructed not

to give out money, so how could I help him? Then I recalled the response of

the apostles Peter and John to the lame man in Acts 3. I explained to him that

I couldn't give him money, but I could share the good news of God's love with

him. When he said that he was an orphan, I told him that God wants to be his

Father. That brought him to tears. I connected him with a member of our host

church for follow-up.



Sometimes our words can feel so insufficient, but the Holy Spirit can empower

us as we share Jesus with others.



When Peter and John came across the man by the temple courts, they knew that

sharing Christ was the greatest gift ever. "Then Peter said, 'Silver or gold

I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ

of Nazareth, walk' " (v. 6). The man received salvation and healing that day.

God continues to use us to draw the lost to Him.



As we search for the perfect gifts to give this Christmas, let's remember that

the true gift is knowing Jesus and the gift of eternal salvation He offers.

Let's continue to seek to be used by God to lead people to the Saviour.



By: Nancy Gavilanes



Reflect & Pray



Who can you pray for this Christmas?

How can you prepare to share Christ with others?



Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 3 - Let the Word Dwell in You



Col 3:16



16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell

in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing

one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.



16 Let the word of Christ dwell

in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing

one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.



Every day, whether we are aware of it or not, our minds are

bombarded by 20th Century values: "Dress for success!" "Get ahead!"

"You deserve a break today ...." Television, radio, and the incessant

voices that surround us distract our attention and keep us from

focusing on what is really important in our lives.

Paul's instruction to the Colossian Church brings us back to God's

value system: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."

When we give attention to the Word of God, we put ourselves in a position

to hear a higher truth the clamour of immediate demands

and the expectations of the world around us. We can experience peace

in the midst of struggle and rest in a restless environment.

God's Word is a powerful force for good in our lives - not merely

an attractive philosophy, but true power to overcome the pressures

of daily life.

Dwelling on the Word of God, and letting it indwell us, takes many forms.

Scripture memory, music, meditation, talking with others about the

goodness of God all help us keep our attention focused on Christ rather

than on the values of the world around us.

We can choose to listen to Christian radio or tapes. We can take time

daily for quiet meditation on his Word. We can commit the Word to memory

and draw on its power during the day. And as we listen to the voice

of the Spirit rather than the noise around us, we can enter into

his peace and live in communion with him.



Application



a) What pressures do I face that tend to distract me from the reality

of Christ's presence?



b) How can I "let the word of Christ dwell richly" in me, so that I

an regain my focus on him?



c) What practical changes can I make in my life to help me focus

my attention on Jesus and his word?





4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Is 48:15,17



15 I, even I, have spoken, and I have called him;

I have brought him, and his way will prosper.

17 (Ps 32:8; Isa 43:14) Thus says the Lord,

your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit,

who leads you in the way you should go.



15 I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him:

I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.

17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel;

I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit,

which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.



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



God's Protection in Times of Trouble



PSALMS 91



1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God in whom I trust."

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter

and from the deadly pestilence.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) He shall cover you with His feathers,

and under His wings you shall find protection;

His faithfulness shall be your shield and wall.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,

nor of the arrow that flies by day;

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) nor of the pestilence that pursues in darkness,

nor of the destruction that strikes at noonday.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) A thousand may fall at your side

and ten thousand at your right hand,

but it shall not come near you.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Only with your eyes shall you behold

and see the reward of the wicked.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,

even the Most High, your dwelling,

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) there shall be no evil befall you,

neither shall any plague come near your tent;

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) for He shall give His angels charge over you

to guard you in all your ways.

12 They shall bear you up in their hands,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.

13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder;

the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

and I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him

and show him My salvation.



Psalm 91



1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress:

My God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,

And from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:

His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;

Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;

Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand;

But it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold

And see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge,

Even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee,

Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee,

To keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands,

Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:

The young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:

I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:

I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him,and shew him my salvation.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13





9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.





6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,

they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.

To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million

Islamic Centre.



Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to

spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.



Nunavut (NU)



NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86



The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed

80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.



Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -



Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)



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



http://www.ehc.ca



10th Day of the Month



a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of

Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.



(

John 3:16



16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."



16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that

whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.



)



b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,

soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.



Advent Day 17

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



"'It seems, then," said Tirian... "that the Stable

seen from within and the Stable seen from without are two different places."



'Yes,' said the Lord Digory. 'Its inside is bigger than its outside.'



"Yes,' said Queen Lucy. 'In our world too, a Stable once

had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world.'"



- C. S. Lewis



(Read this and more in The Last Battle, p. 141.)



Bigger than the Whole World



Lucy and some of her friends had come into Narnia, thinking that they were

going to rescue Narnia from its enemies. But when the battle turned against

them, they thought they were about to die. Narnia had been overrun

by Calormenes, and during the battle Lucy and her friends were forced

into a stable. They soon discovered that they had actually entered

the Narnian heaven. An apparent defeat turned out to be the ultimate victory.



During that moment Queen Lucy recalls, "In our world too, a

Stable once had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world."

The stable to which Lucy referred was, of course, the stable of Bethlehem.

It once had something inside it that was bigger than the whole world,

the baby Jesus. We will one day experience the same firsthand,

we who humble ourselves to receive this Christ child.

We know that big things come in small packages. Small towns.



Short people. Diamond rings. Babies especially. But also heart, courage,

determination, and faith. Faith can move mountains, but it doesn't need

to be big to do so. Jesus said, "If you have faith as small as a mustard

seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there'

and it will move" (Matt. 17:20).



Lord Jesus, your greatness comes in smallness.

Give us a small faith in a great Savior. Amen.



But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small

among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for

me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins

are from of old, from ancient times.



Micah 5:2



From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dean



TUESDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT



Did Mary Stay?



Mary remained with her about three months

and returned to her own house.



-Luke 1:56



The question of our title today lingers with me because the Gospel text is

ambiguous. We have been told by the angel Gabriel that Elizabeth was already

six months along in her pregnancy when Mary received the news of hers.

If we add the months that Mary remained with her, Elizabeth must have given

birth before Mary left-but we aren't specifically told that.



Because Mary had traveled so far, one doubts if she would have gone home

before the big event of the baby's birth. Besides, she surely would want

to assist her relative through her last days of pregnancy and first days

of motherhood.



Why does the question matter? Mary was getting to the time when she would

be scorned for being pregnant before marrying Joseph. Imagine that God

furnished Mary with extra courage



by granting her the privilege of witnessing the birth of her promised child's

Forerunner and by sharing in the ardent faith of Elizabeth and Zechariah.



prayer



Thank you again, Gracious Father, that these two women had

each other. Amen.



Read Luke 1:45-56.



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

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



The Song of Mary



46 And Mary said:

"My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded

the low estate of His servant;

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

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

and holy is His name.

50 His mercy is on those who fear Him

from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with His arm;

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

52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of low degree.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich He has sent away empty.

54 He has helped His servant Israel,

in remembrance of His mercy,

55 as He spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

56 Mary remained with her about three months

and returned to her own house.



From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



THIRD TUESDAY

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



2 (Mt 14:3; 4:12) Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ,

he sent two of his disciples,

3 (Heb 10:37; Jn 11:27) and said to Him, "Are You He who should come,

or should we look for another?" MATTHEW 11:2-3



Who has prepared you to receive God's love and t)ope in Jesus Christ?

Who has been telling his story to you in both word and action? I hope

there have been many people in your history. as well as in your present.

who continue to be like John the Baptist to you as they "prepare the way of

the Lord" in and for you!

And to whom are you John the Baptist? This question does not refer of

course, to the taste and style of your clothes or what weird diets you may

be on. I'm simply asking how you are preparing people to hear and see

God's presence in Christ Jesus in their lives as well as in yours.

The AH-HA of ancestors is not talking about our old relatives and the

"good old days" of the Bible or even of our lives. Instead, it is centering

us on the people around us, now and in the past, who have brought the

message of Jesus to us.

Thank the Lord today for your ancestors who have prepared you to know

and love the Lord. If they are still here on earth, tell them you love them. If

not, thank the Lord for giving them to you as a Christmas gift!

Lord, you have prepared us through Word and sacrament (and though

special people) to be your child. Thank you for the legion of ancestors

with whom you've surrounded us. And empower us to be like John

the Baptist as we help other people to "prepare the way" for you

to come into their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Read Matthew 11:2-11



2 (Mt 14:3; 4:12) Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ,

he sent two of his disciples,

3 (Heb 10:37; Jn 11:27) and said to Him, "Are You He who should come,

or should we look for another?"

4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see:

5 (Lk 4:18; Isa 35:4-6; Mt 5:3) The blind receive their sight

and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear,

the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

[Taken from Isa 35:5-6; 61:1.]

6 (Isa 8:14-15; Mt 24:10) Blessed is he who does not fall away because of Me."

7 (Eph 4:14; Jas 1:6) As they departed, Jesus began to say to the crowds

concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see?

A reed shaken by the wind? 8If not, what did you go out to see?

A man dressed in soft clothing? Indeed,

those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

9 (Lk 1:76; Mt 14:5) Then what did you go out to see? A prophet?

Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

10 (Mal 3:1; Mk 1:2) For this is he of whom it is written:

'Look, I am sending My messenger before Your face,

who will prepare Your way before You.'[Mal 3:1.]

11 Truly I say to you, among those who are born of women,

there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist.

But he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.



From On Eagle's wings Day 10

Start Each Day with God

Only fear the Lord and serve him in truth with all your heart: For

consider what great things he has done for you.

1 Samuel 12:24 (KJV)

When I get up in the morning, I often tend to get busy right away

without starting off my day with a prayer. In this busy world it is

too easy to forget all of the things that God has done for us. In fact,

a great way to start each day is by reading the Bible and to take two

minutes to count all of your blessings, and then try to have loving

thoughts all day long. For when we do that, our hearts become

merry and then we are walking in God's light. That will make us

feel even more blessed than before! It is written,

"[12] Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and

keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant

and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers:

[13] And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also

bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy

wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep,

in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee. "

Deuteronomy 7:12-13

Therefore, let us never forget to thank God for his great love, and

all of the blessings that he has given to you and me. Remember

when you are counting all of your blessings to count the biggest

blessing of them all: having such a loving, caring Heavenly Father

who sent us Jesus Christ our Lord, born to live with us and who

died for us.

God of blessings, we thank you for all that you have given us:

our lives, our relationships, your creation, and your love. Help

us to remember these gifts every day as we come to you in

prayer and as we lead our lives each day. In the name of your

Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



Written by Geela Qaapik, Grise Fiord, NU, 2016

On Eagle's Wings Volunteer



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to conduct yourself as Jesus does

and pray to discern false philosophies.



Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus."



Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for His Help to help the Word

dwell into you richly.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be obedient to know success in the Lord.



Pray to the Lord and pray to dwell in the Almighty.



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 Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of

Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.



Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,

soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.



Pray: Thank you again, Gracious Father, that these two women had

each other. Amen.



Pray: Lord, you have prepared us through Word and sacrament (and though

special people) to be your child. Thank you for the legion of ancestors

with whom you've surrounded us. And empower us to be like John

the Baptist as we help other people to "prepare the way" for you

to come into their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Pray: God of blessings, we thank you for all that you have given us:

our lives, our relationships, your creation, and your love. Help

us to remember these gifts every day as we come to you in

prayer and as we lead our lives each day. In the name of your

Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.



Remember eternity starts now -

Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.

ChatGPt reviews Doctor Who - Kill the Moon

**Review of "Kill the Moon"**



In "Kill the Moon," the Doctor, Clara, and Courtney Woods find themselves on a moon base in 2049, facing a moral dilemma: the moon is revealed to be a giant egg containing a living creature. As its hatching threatens Earth, Clara must decide whether to destroy it or trust in life’s natural process.



This episode thrives on its ethical exploration, positioning Clara as the moral center when the Doctor steps back. Peter Capaldi portrays a detached, almost cold Doctor, pushing Clara to take responsibility. Jenna Coleman’s performance is exceptional, capturing Clara’s anger, vulnerability, and humanity as she grapples with an impossible choice. Her conflict with the Doctor reveals cracks in their relationship, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that feels raw and earned.



The setting is visually stunning, with eerie lunar landscapes and tense interior shots. The production team’s attention to detail immerses the audience in the isolated, high-stakes atmosphere. The spider-like bacteria add a layer of horror, though they are more a thematic device than fully realized antagonists.



The moral quandary is the episode’s centerpiece, posing questions about responsibility, autonomy, and trust. Clara’s ultimate decision and the crowd-sourced response from Earth highlight the complexity of collective human action. The resolution, with the creature safely hatching and leaving a new moon, emphasizes hope and renewal, though it risks feeling overly convenient for some viewers.



While ambitious, the episode is not without flaws. The science is questionable even by Doctor Who standards, which may detract from the drama for some viewers. Additionally, the pacing occasionally falters, particularly in balancing the horror elements with the moral debate.



**Final Rating: 90/100**

"Kill the Moon" is an intense, emotionally charged episode that showcases Clara’s growth and challenges the Doctor-companion dynamic. Despite its scientific leaps, it’s a bold, thought-provoking tale with lasting impact.

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - The Girl Who Waited

## Doctor Who: The Girl Who Waited - A Heartbreaking Exploration of Time Travel's Cost (9/10)



Based on the information from the transcript website [http://www.chakoteya.net/DoctorWho/32-10.htm]([invalid URL doctor who the girl who waited]), "The Girl Who Waited" seems like a powerful and emotionally resonant episode. Here's a review:



**A Devastating Choice:**



**Amy's Sacrifice:** The episode focuses on the consequences of Amy's decision to wait for the Doctor, highlighting the emotional burden of time travel.

**Two Amys:** The presence of two Amys creates a poignant situation, showcasing the impact of lost time.



**Character Development:**



**Amy's Growth:** The episode allows Amy to showcase her strength and resilience in the face of a difficult situation.

**The Doctor's Dilemma:** The Doctor is forced to confront the emotional consequences of his actions and the pain he can cause his companions.



**Potential Weaknesses:**



**Simple Plot:** The episode's focus might be more on character development and emotional impact than a complex plot.

**Limited Setting:** The episode might feel confined due to the repetitive setting of the deserted house.



**Overall Impression:**



"The Girl Who Waited" seems to be a powerful and emotional episode that explores the often-overlooked consequences of time travel. The Doctor and Amy's relationship is put to the test, and the episode offers a poignant reflection on sacrifice and loss. While the plot might be less complex and the setting a bit limited, the character development and emotional depth make it a memorable episode.



**Rating:** 9/10



**Overall, "The Girl Who Waited" is a must-watch for fans who appreciate character-driven stories with a strong emotional core. It tackles the human cost of the Doctor's adventures in a way that is both moving and thought-provoking.**

Day 344 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 16th Day of Advent 9 December 2024 reflections

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



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



Philippians 1



Philippians 1:1-3



1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi,

with the overseers and deacons:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul's Prayer for the Philippians

3 I thank my God for every reminder of you.



1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ,

to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi,

with the bishops and deacons:

2 grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father,

and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Heart of the Apostle

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,



Philippians 1:3-8



Paul's Prayer for the Philippians



A Heart of Gratitude



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

[3] I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,



A heart of Joyful Prayer



4 (Ro 1:9) In every prayer of mine for you all, I have always made requests

with joy,

[4] Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,



A Heart of Belonging



5 (Ac 16:12-40; Php 1:7) due to your fellowship in the gospel from the first

day until now.

[5] For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;



A heart of Assurance



6 (1Co 1:8; Jn 6:29) I am confident of this very thing, that He who began

a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.

[6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work

in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:



A heart of Affection



7 (2Co 7:3; Ac 20:23) It is right for me to think this of you all because

I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonments and in the defense

and confirmation of the gospel, you all are fellow partakers of my grace.

[7] Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you

in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and

confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.



8 (Ro 1:9; 9:1) For God is my witness, how I long after you all with

the affection of Jesus Christ.

[8] For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of

Jesus Christ.





Philippians 1:9-11.



A) God's Love is everything

B) God's love gives us strength to stand



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



9 (1Th 3:12; Col 1:9; 3:10) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet

more and more in knowledge and in all discernment,

10 (1Th 3:13; Ro 12:2) that you may approve things that are excellent

so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,



[9] And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in

knowledge and in all judgment;

[10] That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere

and without offence till the day of Christ;



i) Love is the behaviour that is based on the knowledge, understanding

and the truth of God's word - Meet truth, love's best friend

ii) Love is behaviour that is both pure and blameless - Unselfish love



Phillipians 1:11 (Col 1:6; Jn 15:8) being filled with the fruit of

righteousness, which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of

God.



[11] Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus

Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.



What about self-pity?

Philippians 1:12-18



A) View of circumstances from God's perspective



Philippians 1:12-14



12 But I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me

have resulted in advancing the gospel,

13 (Php 1:7) so that my imprisonments in Christ have become known throughout

the entire palace guard and to all the rest.

14 And a great many of the brothers in the Lord, having become confident

because of my incarcerations, have dared to speak the word without fear.



[12] But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which

happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

[13] So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all

other places;

[14] And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are

much more bold to speak the word without fear.



B) Don't worry about the motives of others



Philippians 1:15-17



15 Some indeed are preaching Christ out of envy and strife,

and some also from good will.

16 (Php 1:7) The former preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely,

intending to add trouble to my circumstance.

17 (Php 1:7; 2:3) But the latter preach out of love, knowing

that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.



[15] Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of

good will:

[16] The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add

affliction to my bonds:

[17] But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the

gospel.



Look how the Lord used these circumstances to increase faith.



c) Choose to rejoice



Philippians 1:18



18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth,

Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice.

Indeed, I will rejoice.



[18] What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in

truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.



A) Determine to rejoice



Philippians 1:18d-19



[18] ... and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

[19] For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer,

and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,



18 ... And in this I rejoice.

Indeed, I will rejoice.

19 (2Co 1:11; Ac 16:7) For I know that through your prayer

and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will result

in my deliverance.



B) Connect into Community



Philippians 1:20



20 (1Co 6:20; Ro 5:5) Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope

that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always,

so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life

or by death.



[20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I

shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ

shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.



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



Philippians 1:20-21



20 (1Co 6:20; Ro 5:5) Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope

that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always,

so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life

or by death.

21 (Gal 2:20) For to me, to continue living is Christ, and to die is gain.



[20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I

shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ

shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

[21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.



Philippians 1:22-24



22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor to me.

Yet I do not know what I shall choose.

23 (2Co 5:8; 2Ti 4:6; Lk 23:43) I am in a difficult position between the two,

having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better.

24 Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.



[22] But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I

shall choose I wot not.

[23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be

with Christ; which is far better:

[24] Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.



D) Live a life of Service to others



Philippians 1:25-26



25 (Php 2:24; Ac 20:25) Having this confidence, I know that I shall remain

and continue with you all for your joyful advancement of the faith,

26 (2Co 1:14; 5:12) so that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant

in Jesus Christ when I am in your presence again.



[25] And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with

you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

[26] That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my

coming to you again.



Conduct Worthy of the Gospel



Based on Philippains 1:27-30



27 (Eph 4:1; Jude 1:3) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel

of Christ, that whether or not I come and see you, I may hear of your

activities, that you are standing fast in one spirit, with one mind,

striving together for the faith of the gospel.

28 Do not be frightened by your adversaries. This is a sign to them

of their destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God.

29 For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe

in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

30 (Ac 16:19-40; 1Th 2:2) having the same conflict which you saw in me

and now hear is in me.



[27] Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that

whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs,

that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the

faith of the gospel;

[28] And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an

evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

[29] For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe

on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

[30] Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.



Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel:



a) Standing firm



Philippians 1:27b " I may hear of your

activities, that you are standing fast in one spirit,"



b) Standing together



Philippians 1:27c



"in one spirit, with one mind,"



c) Striving together



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



Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets who come to you

in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. "



Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but

inwardly they are ravening wolves.



d) Without fear



Philippians 1:28 "Do not be frightened by your adversaries.

This is a sign to them

of their destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God."



e) 2 Gifts



Philippians 1:29-30



"For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe

in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

having the same conflict which you saw in me

and now hear is in me. "





Philippians 2:1-11



Why can't we get along?



What is our foundation?



Philippians 2



Christian Humility and Christ's Humility



1 (2Co 13:14; Col 3:12) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any

comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy,

[1] If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,

if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same

love, being in unity with one mind.

[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of

one accord, of one mind.



2 seats of knowledge exist



Cognitive - we learn facts , concepts and priciples.

Experiential - experiencing what is true



Experiential knowledge wins out over cognitive knowledge



Notice the emotionals words



Philippians 2



1 (2Co 13:14; Col 3:12) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any

comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy,

[1] If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,

if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,



A sense of confidence and peace



Comfort and cherish



The sensing of the presence of God.



Tenderness/mercy is something created by the Holy

Spirit at the core of who we are.



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



How do you experience the Spirit of the Lord?



Our experience with God inspires us to:



I ) Be like minded



2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded ...

[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded ...



II) Love sacrificially



2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same

love, ...

[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, ...



III) Be one in spirit and purpose



2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same

love, being in unity with one mind.

[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of

one accord, of one mind.



Christian Humility and Christ's Humility



3 (Ro 12:10; Gal 5:26) Let nothing be done out of strife or conceit, but in

humility let each esteem the other better than himself.

4 (Ro 15:1) Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also

to the interests of others.

5 (Mt 11:29; Ro 15:3) Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ

Jesus,

6 (Jn 5:18; 10:33) who, being in the form of God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.

7 (Mt 20:28; Jn 1:14) But He emptied Himself,

taking upon Himself the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men.

8 (Heb 12:2; Mt 26:39; Jn 10:18) And being found in the form of a man,

He humbled Himself

and became obedient to death,

even death on a cross.

9 (Heb 2:9; Mt 28:18) Therefore God highly exalted Him

and gave Him the name which is above every name,

10 (Mt 28:18) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 (Jn 13:13; Ro 14:9) and every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.



[3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of

mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

[4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things

of others.

[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

[6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with

God:

[7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a

servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

[8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became

obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

[9] Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which

is above every name:

[10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven,

and things in earth, and things under the earth;

[11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the

glory of God the Father.



Shining as Lights in the World



12 (2Co 7:15; Php 1:5) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed,

not only in my presence, but so much more in my absence, work out your

own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 (Heb 13:21; Ezr 1:5) For God is the One working in you, both to will

and to do His good pleasure.

14 (1Pe 4:9; 1Co 10:10) Do all things without murmuring and disputing,

15 (Mt 5:45; Dt 32:5) that you may be blameless and harmless, sons of God,

without fault, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which

you shine as lights in the world.

16 (Gal 2:2; 4:11) Hold forth the word of life that I may rejoice

on the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

17 (Ro 15:16; 2Co 12:15) Yes, and even if I am offered upon the sacrifice

and service of your faith, I take delight and rejoice with you all.

18 For this reason you also take delight and rejoice with me.



[12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence

only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear

and trembling.

[13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good

pleasure.

[14] Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

[15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,

in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights

in the world;

[16] Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of

Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

[17] Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith,

I joy, and rejoice with you all.

[18] For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.



Timothy and Epaphroditus



19 (1Co 4:17; Php 1:1) I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly

to you, that I also may be of good comfort when I get word concerning you.

20 (1Co 16:10) For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care

for your welfare.

21 (1Co 10:24; 13:5) For all seek their own, not the things of Christ Jesus.

22 (1Co 4:17; 1Ti 1:2) But you know of his proven worth, that as a son with

a father, he has served with me in the gospel.

23 Therefore I hope to send him soon after my situation is resolved.

24 (Phm 1:22) But I trust in the Lord that I, myself, shall also come shortly.

25 (Php 4:18; Phm 1:1-2; Php 4:3) Yet I thought it necessary to send to you

Epaphroditus, who is my brother and companion in labor, fellow soldier,

your messenger, and he who ministered to my necessity.

26 (Php 1:8) For he longed after you all and was filled with heaviness,

because you heard that he was sick.

27 Indeed he was sick, near death. But God had mercy on him,

and not only on him, but also on me,

lest I should have had sorrow upon sorrow.

28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again,

you may rejoice and I may be less sorrowful.

29 (1Co 16:18; Ro 16:2) So receive him in the Lord with all joy.

And hold such ones in high regard,

30 (1Co 16:17; Ac 20:24) because for the work of Christ he was near death,

not regarding his life, endeavouring to make up for your lack of service

toward me.



[19] But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that

I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

[20] For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

[21] For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

[22] But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath

served with me in the gospel.

[23] Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it

will go with me.

[24] But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

[25] Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother,

and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that

ministered to my wants.

[26] For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye

had heard that he had been sick.

[27] For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and

not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

[28] I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again,

ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

[29] Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in

reputation:

[30] Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding

his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.



Philippians 3



The True Righteousness



1 (Php 4:4; 1Th 5:16) Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write

the same things to you is no trouble to me, and it is reassuring for you.

2 (2Co 11:13; Gal 5:15) Watch out for dogs, watch out for evil workers,

watch out for those who practice mutilation.

3 (Col 2:11; Jude 1:20) For we are the circumcision who worship

God in the Spirit, and boast in Christ Jesus, and place no trust in the flesh,

4 though I also have confidence in the flesh.

If any other man thinks that he has reason to trust in the flesh, I have more:

5 (2Co 11:22; Ro 11:1; Ac 23:6) I was circumcised the eighth day, of the stock

of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a Hebrew of Hebrews; as concerning

the law, a Pharisee;

6 (Ac 8:3; 22:3-4) concerning zeal, persecuting the church; and concerning

the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 (Lk 14:33) But what things were gain to me, I have counted these things

to be loss for the sake of Christ.

8 (Jn 17:3; 2Pe 1:3) Yes, certainly, I count everything as loss

for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom

I have forfeited the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that

I may gain Christ,

9 (1Co 1:30; Php 3:6; Isa 53:11) and be found in Him, not having my own

righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith

in Christ, (Or through the faith of Christ.) the righteousness which is of God

on the basis of faith,

10 (Ro 8:17; 8:29) to know Him, and the power of His resurrection,

and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

11 (Ac 26:7) if somehow I might make it to the resurrection of the dead.



[1] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to

you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

[2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

[3] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and

rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

[4] Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man

thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

[5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of

Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

[6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness

which is in the law, blameless.

[7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

[8] Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the

knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all

things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

[9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the

law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which

is of God by faith:

[10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the

fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

[11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.



Pressing Toward the Mark



12 (1Co 13:10; 1Ti 6:19) Not that I have already attained or have already been

perfected, but I follow after it so that I may lay hold of that for which

I was seized by Christ Jesus.

13 (Lk 9:62; Ps 45:10) Brothers, I do not count myself to have attained,

but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind

and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

14 (Heb 3:1; 1Pe 5:10) I press toward the goal to the prize of the high

calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 (1Co 2:6; Gal 5:10) Therefore let those of us who are mature be thus

minded. And if you think differently in any way,

God will reveal even this to you.

16 (Gal 6:16) Nevertheless, according to what we have already attained,

let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

17 (1Co 4:16; 1Pe 5:3) Brothers, become fellow imitators with me

and observe those who walk according to our example.

18 (Gal 6:12) For many are walking in such a way that they are the enemies

of the cross of Christ. I have told you of them often and tell you again,

even weeping.

19 (Ro 16:18; 2Pe 2:3) Their destination is destruction, their god

is their appetite, their glory is in their shame, their minds

are set on earthly things.

20 (Eph 2:19; 1Co 1:7; Ac 1:11) But our citizenship is in heaven, from

where also we await for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

21 (Col 3:4) who will transform our body of humiliation,

so that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working

of His power even to subdue all things to Himself.



[12] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but

I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended

of Christ Jesus.

[13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I

do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those

things which are before,

[14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in

Christ Jesus.

[15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any

thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

[16] Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same

rule, let us mind the same thing.

[17] Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as

ye have us for an ensample.

[18] (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even

weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

[19] Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is

in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

[20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the

Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

[21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his

glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue

all things unto himself.



Philippians 4



1 (Php 1:8; 1:27; 1Co 16:13) Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brothers,

my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.



[1] Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown,

so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.



Exhortations



2 (Php 2:2-3) I exhort Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 (Lk 10:20; Php 1:27) I ask you also, true companion, help those women who

labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with my other fellow

laborers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12) Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness. The Lord is at hand.

6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer

and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God.

7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses all

understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 (Ac 6:3; 10:22) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever

things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,

if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.

9 (Php 3:17; Ro 15:33; Php 4:7) Do those things which you have both learned

and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.



[2] I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind

in the Lord.

[3] And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which

laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my

fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

[4] Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

[5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your

hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are

honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever

things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any

virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

[9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and

seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.



Acknowledgment of the Philippians' Gift



10 (2Co 11:9) I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived

your concern for me. Regarding this, you did care, but you lacked opportunity.

11 (Php 3:8; 1Ti 6:6-9) I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned

in whatever state I am to be content.

12 (2Co 11:27; 11:9) I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to

have abundance. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret,

both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

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

who strengthens me.

14 (Php 1:7) Nevertheless you did well having shared in my affliction.

15 (Php 1:5; 2Co 11:8-12) Now you Philippians know also,

that in the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia,

no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving,

except you alone.

16 (1Th 2:9) Even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for

my necessity,

17 (Titus 3:14) not because I desired a gift, but I desire fruit that

accumulates to your account.

18 (Eph 5:2; Php 2:25-26) But I have everything and abound. I have been

filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you,

like a sweet fragrance, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

19 (Ro 2:4) But my God shall supply your every need according

to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20 (Ro 11:36; Gal 1:4-5) Now to God and our Father be glory forever and ever.

Amen.



[10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of

me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked

opportunity.

[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever

state I am, therewith to be content.

[12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and

in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to

abound and to suffer need.

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

[14] Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my

affliction.

[15] Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when

I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning

giving and receiving, but ye only.

[16] For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

[17] Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your

account.

[18] But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus

the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice

acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.

[20] Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.



Final Greetings



21 (Gal 1:2) Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me

greet you.

22 (2Co 13:13; Php 1:13) All the saints greet you,

especially those who are of Caesar's household.

23 (Ro 16:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.



[21] Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me

greet you.

[22] All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

[23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.



2) Our Daily Bread for 9 December 2024



Encouraged by God's Promises




Isaiah 43:1-5



1 (Isa 43:7; 44:2) But now, thus says the Lord

who created you, O Jacob,

and He who formed you, O Israel:

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

2 (Ps 66:12; Da 3:25-27) When you pass through waters,

I will be with you.

And through the rivers,

they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire,

you shall not be burned,

nor shall the flame kindle on you.

3 (Ex 20:2; Pr 21:18) For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I gave Egypt for your ransom,

Ethiopia and Seba in your place.

4 (Ex 19:5-6) Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honorable,

and I have loved you;

therefore, I will give men for you,

and people for your life.

5 (Isa 49:12; 44:2) Do not fear, for I am with you;

I will bring your descendants from the east,

and gather you from the west;



[1] But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that

formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called

thee by thy name; thou art mine.

[2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through

the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the

fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

[3] For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave

Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

[4] Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I

have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

[5] Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and

gather thee from the west;



It was a long day at the hospital. Still no answers to the sickness that

afflicted a young, bright nineteen-year-old. Arriving home, the family felt

discouraged. To their surprise, a nicely decorated box sat on the step with

Isaiah 43:2 printed on the front. Inside, were assorted encouraging Bible

verses that friends had written out by hand. The next hour was spent being

encouraged by Scripture and the thoughtful gesture of the family's friends.



People going through tough times or family challenges can always use

a heartfelt boost. Scripture-either a large portion or just a verse-can

encourage you, a friend, or family member. Isaiah 43 is filled with little

bits of encouragement-received either individually or as a whole. Consider

a few choice thoughts: God has "created you," "formed you," "redeemed you,"

and called you "by name" (v. 1). God "will be with you" (v. 2), He's

"the Holy One of Israel," and He's our "Saviour" (v. 3).



As you consider the promises of God, may they encourage you. And as He

provides what you need, you can encourage someone else. The verse box

didn't cost a lot, but its impact was priceless. Even after five years,

some of those verse cards are still cherished by the family.



By: Brent Hackett



Reflect & Pray



What other promises can you find in Isaiah 43?

Who can you share a promise card, text, or email with today?



Dear God, I thank You today that

the Scriptures are full of promises,

and that I can be encouraged even by one verse at just the right time.





For further study, read Stay Alert and Walk with Your God.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



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



2 Tim 3:16-17



16 (Ro 15:4) All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable

for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction

in righteousness,

17 (1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 2:21) that the man of God may be complete,

thoroughly equipped for every good work.



16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable

for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction

in righteousness:

17 that the man of God may be perfect,

throughly furnished unto all good works.



"I can't wait till I get big!" Marc, age 5, declared. "Then I do

what I want!" Most of us, as children, shared Marc's statement.

We looked forward to that "magic age" - 16, 18, 21 - when we

would be adults: mature, able to make our own decisions.

We find, of course, that adulthood has its own share of

difficulties and conflicts. But even in our spiritual lives

we often long for a "magic moment" of maturity. As one woman

confessed, "Ever since I became a Christian, I've hoped I'd wake up

one morning to find myself mature."

But growth in the spiritual life comes gradually, like growth in

the physical world. In 2 Tim 2:16-17, Paul gives the young pastor

Timothy an important key to spiritual growing up - the Word of God.

The Word is "profitable" or "useful," Paul says, for "teaching" - that is,

for developing a right concept of God. Scripture offers "rebuke" when

we go wrong, "correction" to set us on the right path, and "training

in righteousness" so that we can grow in the image of Christ.

The purpose of Scripture's work in our lives, Paul emphasises,

is that we may be "perfect" - mature, equipped for the good things

God has for us to do. Such maturity does not come easily

or instantaneously, but it does come - sometimes imperceptibly -

as we submit our lives to the transforming power of God's Word.



Application



a) In what areas of my life do I need to grow? How can I benefit

from the Bible's



i) teaching?



ii) rebuke?



iii) correction?



iv) training in righteousness?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



2 Chr 31:21



21 And in every deed that he undertook in the service of the house

of God and with the law and commandment to seek out his God,

he did this with all his heart, and he found success.



21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house

of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God,

he did it with all his heart, and prospered.



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



God's Protection in Times of Trouble



Ps 27:1-6



PSALMS 27



A Psalm of David.



1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom will I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life;

of whom will I be afraid?

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) When the wicked came against me

to eat my flesh -

my enemies and my foes -

they stumbled and fell.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Though an army should encamp against me,

my heart will not fear;

though war should rise against me,

in this will I be confident.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One thing I have asked from the Lord,

that will I seek after -

for me to dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to see the beauty of the Lord,

and to inquire in His temple.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For in the time of trouble

He will hide me in His pavilion;

in the shelter of His tabernacle He will hide me;

He will set me up on a rock.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8 - 9) Now my head will be lifted up

above my enemies encircling me;

therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;

I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.



1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes,

came upon me to eat up my flesh,

They stumbled and fell.

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:

Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after;

That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:

In the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;

he shall set me up upon a rock.

6 And now shall mine head be lifted up,

Above mine enemies round about me:

Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;

I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.





6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,

they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.

To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million

Islamic Centre.



Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to

spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.



Nunavut (NU)



NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86



The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed

80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.



Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -



Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)



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



http://www.ehc.ca



9th Day of the Month



a) Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout

the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,

faithfulness and provision.



(

Ps 100



A Psalm of thanksgiving.

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth!

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Serve the Lord with gladness;

come before His presence with singing.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Know that the Lord, He is God;

it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

and into His courts with praise;

be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For the Lord is good; His mercy endures forever,

and His faithfulness to all generations.



Psalm 100



A Psalm of praise.

1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: Come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God:

It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;

We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise:

Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting;

And his truth endureth to all generations.



)



b) Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways

to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.

(

1 Chr 12:32



32 (Est 1:13) From the sons of Issachar,

those having understanding of times

and what Israel should do: two hundred of their captains

with all their brothers at their command.



32 And of the children of Issachar,

which were men that had understanding of the times,

to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred;

and all their brethren were at their commandment



)



Advent Day 16



C.S.Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck



"My brother and I took a day off last week, put sandwiches

in our pockets, and tramped sixteen miles... from Dorchester Abbey

to Oxford....You would be surprised if you could see the unspoilt

beauty and charm which can still be found I hope to send you

the autographed children's book by Christmas, but will probably

know more about its progress this afternoon,

as I am going out to lunch with my publisher." - C. S. Lewis



(From "Letter to Miss Vera Mathews," Sept. 20, 1950,

Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, p. 54.)



The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe



Advertisers will call their product "the perfect gift"

or "the gift for any occasion." Many people love books,

and books are among the favourite Christmas gifts to give or receive.

You can purchase a book on almost every imaginable subject. Books last.

Books can be read over and over again.



The book about which Lewis writes in this letter to Vera Mathews

is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It was released by Geoffrey Bles

Publishers on October 16, 1950, in time for the Christmas season.

In fact, most of the original Chronicles of Narnia books

were released in time for Christmas.



Christians are a "people of the book." Our word "Bible" comes

from a Greek word meaning "book." And as Jesus was the Word made flesh,

to tell his story God arranged for the writing of a book of books,

so constructed that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ.

Lewis once wrote, tongue in cheek, that God was an unscru­pulous author,

leaving traps, nets, and stratagems everywhere in his book to snare

its readers (Surprised by Joy, p. 191). Indeed! God "wants all men

to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4).



Thank you, Lord, for books, especially the Book, with its

testimony to Jesus as the Christ. Amen.



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



John 20:31



Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn



MONDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT



The Recipients



His mercy is on those who fear Him

from generation to generation.



-Luke 1:50



It was fitting yesterday on the Third Sunday of Advent

to begin this week focusing on God's righting of injustice in the

world since we are preparing for the coming of Jesus, who spent

his life, contrary to the religious leaders, ministering to the poor

and the ill, the humble and the outcast. Consequently,

today we accentuate again (see Wednesday, First Week of Advent)

that significant word fear.



We have seen that God towers above us all, that his prodigious

power could (if he chose) do away with every one of us,

that we are inconsequential to his purposes, that our efforts are meager

in his sight. It is appropriate that we always remember this and properly

fear, for then we never take it for granted that God loves us,

that his grace floods over us, that his mercy endures forever!

What elation overwhelms us then, for we are awed that the Glorious One

stoops to select us! What lavish gratitude inhabits our souls!



Prayer



Bounteous God, how can I ever thank you sufficiently for

choosing me to be yours? Amen.



Read Luke 1:45-55.



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

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



The Song of Mary



46 And Mary said:

"My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded

the low estate of His servant;

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

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

and holy is His name.

50 His mercy is on those who fear Him

from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with His arm;

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

52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of low degree.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich He has sent away empty.

54 He has helped His servant Israel,

in remembrance of His mercy,

55 as He spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”



The AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler



THIRD MONDAY

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



Blessed is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,

whose hope is in the Lord his God, PSALM 146:5



Notice the strong, positive attitude of the psalmist. He is "praising the Lord

not because everything is going well, but because of what the Lord has

clone . . . for all of us!

Hows your attitude today? Or, do you have an attitude about

your attitude? A friend of mine likes to say. "In case of an accident

I'm not surprised!" Great attitude, eh? Years ago I received a coffee cup

as a gift from a so-called friend which read. "Life is hard and then you die.

A great way to start each morning. don't you thinks

The AH-HAs of Advent help us to grasp that the Lord has given us

everything to change our UH-OH attitudes into AH-HA affirmations.

No wonder the psalmist can proclaim that "happy are those whose help is

the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God." The joy of Advent

is that we proclaim tile exact same message.

And more good news: even when we do not have a very positive attitude--

when we are dull and tired and dragging--the Lord continues to love us,

to prop us up, and to show us the way from the AH-HAs of Advent, through

the UH-OHs of Good Friday, and on to the Greatest AH-HA of them all--

EASTER! Advent is not a "let's pretend" game of thinking that Easter

has not happened No way! Easter is the real thing, right now. today!

What an attitude!

Lord. thanks for setting people free---for lifting us up and opening our

blind eyes to see the needs and hopes of others. Keep giving us an

attitude of gratitude. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Read Psalm 146



Psalms 146



1 Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) While I live I will praise the Lord;

I will sing praises unto my God while I have my life.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Do not put your trust in princes,

nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) His breath leaves him, and he returns to the earth;

on that very day his plans perish.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Blessed is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,

whose hope is in the Lord his God,

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) who made heaven, and earth,

the sea, and all that is in them,

who keeps faithfulness forever,

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) who executes justice for the oppressed,

who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord releases the prisoners.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;

the Lord raises those who are brought down;

the Lord loves the righteous.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) The Lord preserves the sojourners;

He lifts up the fatherless and widow,

but on the way of the wicked He brings disaster.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) The Lord shall reign forever,

your God, O Zion, unto all generations.

Praise you the Lord!



From On Eagle's wings Day 9



Be Irrepressible

1 I was glad when they said to me,

"Let us go into the house of the Lord."



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

Psalm 122:1



This summer, things didn't go as planned for one of our Bible

Camps and we made a last minute change. A different community

stepped in to host us on short notice, and we appreciated their effort.

On the first evening, attendance was low, so Doris, a church

volunteer, posted the event on Facebook. What resulted resounds

like the angel's message and the shepherds' joyous response. Ten

minutes later, two kids arrived - Lana was a boisterous teenager I

had remembered from last year, and her eight-year-old brother

accompanied her. Lana's mom had seen the post, and soon after

Lana grabbed her brother and ran two blocks to join us, bringing the

exuberance that is her trademark.

An unsolicited testimony came as she quickly caught up on the

activities and said, "I'm so happy I came to Bible Camp ." Didn't she

show the same response as those first shepherds, who dropped

everything and ran to get in on the experience which held so much

promise?

Excitement is sometimes squelched, especially by adults wanting

quiet, or by teachers holding onto control, but it comes from a joyful

spirit and a personality that is ready to jump into action. What

generous gifts to return to God when we are invited to come and

experience Christ in our lives.

Loving God, thank you for giving us a spirit of joy and

celebration. Thank you for inviting us to live fully by sharing the

gifts of who we are. Thank you for the news that you are always

with us. Come, Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.



Written by Kathryn Scott, Ft. Simpson, NT, 2013

On Eagle's Wings Volunteer



Conclusion:



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



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, I thank You today that

the Scriptures are full of promises,

and that I can be encouraged even by one verse at just the right time."



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



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



Pray to the Lord and pray know Him as Salvation!



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout

the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,

faithfulness and provision.



Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways

to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.



Thank you, Lord, for books, especially the Book, with its

testimony to Jesus as the Christ. Amen.



Pray: Bounteous God, how can I ever thank you sufficiently for

choosing me to be yours? Amen.



Pray: Lord. thanks for setting people free---for lifting us up and opening our

blind eyes to see the needs and hopes of others. Keep giving us an

attitude of gratitude. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Pray: Loving God, thank you for giving us a spirit of joy and

celebration. Thank you for inviting us to live fully by sharing the

gifts of who we are. Thank you for the news that you are always

with us. Come, Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.



Remember eternity starts now -

Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - The Caretaker

**Review of "The Caretaker"**



In "The Caretaker"*, the Doctor goes undercover as a school caretaker, drawing Clara’s two worlds—her adventures in time and space and her personal life with Danny Pink—into conflict. The episode blends humor, character development, and action as the Doctor faces the Skovox Blitzer, a robotic menace threatening humanity.



This story is a character-driven tale with lighter stakes, focusing on the strained relationship between the Doctor and Danny. Peter Capaldi excels as a grumpy, judgmental Doctor, and Samuel Anderson provides depth to Danny, showcasing his courage and integrity. Jenna Coleman’s Clara juggles both men, highlighting the tension between her identities as a teacher and adventurer.



The comedic tone shines, especially in the Doctor’s snarky remarks and the absurdity of his undercover antics. The Skovox Blitzer, while visually striking, serves more as a plot device than a memorable villain. Its resolution feels rushed, with the Doctor neutralizing the threat without much tension.



The episode’s strength lies in its exploration of relationships, particularly Danny’s skepticism of the Doctor and Clara’s dual life. The confrontations between the Doctor and Danny are well-written, emphasizing their clashing perspectives. Danny’s assertion of his humanity contrasts sharply with the Doctor’s alien detachment.



However, the pacing falters, with the comedic and emotional beats occasionally feeling disjointed. The Skovox Blitzer subplot could have been more integrated into the character drama, as it often feels secondary.



**Final Rating: 80/100**

"The Caretaker"* is a lighthearted episode with strong character moments and humor. While the villain is underwhelming, the focus on relationships and identity provides a satisfying narrative core.

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - Night Terrors

## Doctor Who: Night Terrors - A Creepy Tale with Missed Opportunities (7/10)



Based on the information from the transcript website [http://www.chakoteya.net/DoctorWho/32-9.htm]([invalid URL removed] Who/32-9.htm), "Night Terrors" seems like a mixed bag. Here's a review:



**A Creepy Setting:**



**Childhood Fears:** The episode taps into childhood fears of the dark and monsters under the bed.

**Dolls as Villains:** The dolls used as antagonists create a unique and unsettling atmosphere.



**Characterization and Plot:**



**The Doctor's Investigation:** The Doctor's investigation into the boy's fear provides a detective-like element.

**Amy and Rory's Storyline:** While the website doesn't mention details, Amy and Rory's adventure in the dollhouse could be a fun counterpoint to the main story.



**Potential Weaknesses:**



**Uneven Tone:** The episode might blend horror elements with the show's usual humor, creating an uneven tone.

**Underdeveloped Threat:** The dolls, while creepy, might not be a compelling enough villain for a full episode.

* **Mark Gatiss' Track Record:** The website mentions this being a Gatiss script, and some viewers might find his horror less effective than others.



**Overall Impression:**



"Night Terrors" seems like a creepy and atmospheric episode with a classic monster-under-the-bed theme. While the Doctor's investigation and Amy/Rory's storyline offer potential, the episode might suffer from an uneven tone and an underdeveloped villain.



**Rating:** 7/10



**Overall, "Night Terrors" could be a fun watch for fans who enjoy a lighter horror episode. However, those looking for a truly terrifying or complex story might be disappointed.**

Day 343 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 15th Day of Advent 8 December 2024 reflections part 2

2) Our Daily Bread for 8 December 2024



New Life in Jesus




Acts 2:29-39



29 (1Ki 2:10; Ac 13:36) "Brothers, I may speak confidently to you concerning

the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with

us to this day.

30 (2Sa 23:2) But being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn

with an oath to him, that of his seed according to the flesh,

He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,

31 (Ac 2:27; Ps 16:10) he foresaw this and spoke concerning

the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not abandoned

to Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.

32 (Ac 2:24; 1:8) God raised up this Jesus, of which we all are witnesses.

33 (Ac 1:4; Mk 16:19) Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God,

and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit,

He has poured out this which you now see and hear.

34 (Ps 110:1) For David has not ascended to the heavens, yet he says:

'The Lord said to my Lord,

"Sit at My right hand,

35Until I make Your enemies

Your footstool." '

36 "Therefore, let all the house of Israel assuredly know that God

has made this Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

37 (Lk 3:10; Ac 5:33) When they heard this, they were stung in the heart

and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles,

"Brothers, what shall we do?"

38 (Lk 24:47; Ac 8:12; 22:16) Peter said to them,

"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ

for the forgiveness of sins, and you shall receive the gift

of the Holy Spirit.

39 (Joel 2:32; Isa 44:3) For the promise is to you, and to your children,

and to all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call."



[29] Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David,

that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

[30] Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath

to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would

raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

[31] He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his

soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

[32] This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

[33] Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received

of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which

ye now see and hear.

[34] For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The

LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

[35] Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

[36] Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath

made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

[37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said

unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we

do?

[38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in

the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the

gift of the Holy Ghost.

[39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are

afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.



Growing up together in Central Asia, Baheer and Medet were the best of

friends. But when Baheer became a believer in Jesus, everything changed.

After Medet reported him to government authorities, Baheer endured

excruciating torture. The guard growled, "This mouth will never speak the name

of Jesus again." Though badly bloodied, Baheer managed to say that they might

stop him speaking of Christ, but they'd never "change what He has done i

n my heart."



Those words remained with Medet. Some months later, having suffered illness

and loss, Medet traveled to find Baheer, who had been released from prison.

Turning from his pride, he asked his friend to introduce him to his Jesus.



Medet acted on the conviction of the Holy Spirit in the same way that those

who gathered around Peter on the feast of Pentecost were "cut to the heart"

when they witnessed God's outpouring of grace and heard Peter's testimony

about Christ (Acts 2:37). Peter called the people to repent and be baptized in

the name of Jesus, and some three thousand did. Just as they left their old

ways of life behind, so too did Medet repent and follow the Savior.



The gift of new life in Jesus is available to everyone who believes in Him.

Whatever we've done, we can enjoy the forgiveness of our sins when we trust

in Him.



By: Amy Boucher Pye



Reflect & Pray



How do you think Baheer felt when Medet asked him to introduce him to Jesus?

How does a relationship with Him help us in the time of trial?



Saving Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross

and rising to new life. I place my trust in You.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



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



Philippians 4:13



13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because

of Christ who strengthens me.



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



Many of us live out self-fulfilling prophecies. We believe

what we tell ourselves - or what we have been told by others:

"You're stupid", "You're ugly", "You'll never amount to anything,"

"You can't do anything right."

We programme ourselves for spiritual failure as well.

"I just can't memorise Scripture," we say. "It comes and goes,

and I can't seem to get it to stay." Yet daily we memorise

volumes of information that is less significant than the

Scriptures - telephone numbers, identification codes,

songs lyrics, advertising jingles.

The answer to the dilemma of negativism is not positive

thinking, but right thinking - biblical thinking, according

to what the Bible reveals of God's perspective. God says,

"You are worthwhile. You are valued. You are loved. I created you

just as you are, and whatever I call you to do,

I will give you the strength to do it.

The context of Phillipians 4:13 shows that Paul had learned

this important secret of spiritual strength. Paul had known

poverty and plenty, trouble and victory. But he also knew

he did not have to let circumstances determine his response to God's will.

We need not be controlled by the negative messages life throws in our paths

- even those self-defeating pronouncements we make to ourselves.

Rather, we can respond according to God's perspective, with the

conviction that God has given us strength we need to meet the

challenges we face.



Application



a) What challenges do I face that make me realise my own insufficiencies?

IS memorising Scripture one of those challenges for me?



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



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Haggai 2:7-9



7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations,

and they will come with the wealth of all nations,

and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts.

8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,

says the Lord of Hosts.

9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater

than the former, says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place

I will give peace, says the Lord of Hosts.



7 and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations

shall come: and I will fill this house with glory,

saith the LORD of hosts.

8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.

9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater

than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place

will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.



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



God's Help in Times of Temptation



James 1:12-18



Trial and Temptation



12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,

for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,

which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"

for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.

14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.

15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;

and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.

16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.

17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift

is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom is no change or shadow of turning.

18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth with

the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.



12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,

he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised

to them that love him.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:

for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust,

and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:

and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,

neither shadow of turning.

18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth,

that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.



6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,

they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.

To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million

Islamic Centre.



Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to

spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.



Nunavut (NU)



NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86



The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed

80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.



Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -



Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)





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



http://www.ehc.ca



8th Day of the Month



a) Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer

and never cease to call upon God



(

Is 62:6



6 (Isa 52:8; Ps 74:2) I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem,

who shall never hold their peace day nor night.

You who remind the Lord, do not keep silent;



6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold

their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,



Ps 5:3



3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) O Lord, in the morning You will hear my voice;

in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will watch expectantly.



3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD;

In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.



Ps 55:17



17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will make my complaint and murmur,

and He will hear my voice.



17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:

And he shall hear my voice.



)



b) Pray for the province of Manitoba



I) Pray for the leaders of Manitoba, that God's Spirit would influence them

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.

3 For 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 15



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



Third Sunday of Advent





"Dear Hida (is that right?) Newman,



Thank you so much for your lovely letter and pictures As to

Asian's other name, well I want you to guess. Has there never

been anyone in this world who (1.) arrived at the same time as

Father Christmas. (2.) Said he was the son of the Great Emperor.

(3.) Gave himself up for someone else's fault to be jeered at

and killed by wicked people. (4.) Came to life again. (5.)

Is sometimes spoken of as a Lamb....Don't you really know His

name in this world? Think it over and let me know your answer."

- C. S. Lewis



(From "Letter to Hilo Newman," June 3, 1953,



Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, p. 334.)



Christ's Other Name



C. S. Lewis loved children. Every letter he ever received from a child, he

answered. In a collection of them, Letters to Children, Lewis responded to a

question about the identity of Aslan, the Christ-figure t of Narnia.

Eleven-year-old Hila Newman had sent Lewis some drawings of the characters

in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, along with some questions.

Apparently she could not identify Aslan with any biblical character.



Lewis wrote back with not-too-subtle hints about a character



on our world who "arrived at the same time as Father Christmas." The hints

that followed reveal how clearly Asian represented the "Lion of the tribe of

Judah" (Rev. 5:5) whom we know as Jesus, who had given himself up to be killed

by wicked people and come to life again, and was sometimes called a Lamb.

Lewis didn't give her the answer, because he wanted her to discover the truth

for herself.



Instead of saying that Jesus is Asian's other name, we could say

that Aslan is Jesus' other name-at least in Narnia.

Thank you, Jesus, that your name is the name above all other

names. Thank you, Jesus, that your name saves us. Amen.



There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.



Acts 4:12



From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn



THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT



Upside Down



He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of low degree.



-Luke 1:52



This verse near the end of Mary's reflection seems like an appropriate

theme verse for her whole song. God likes to reverse our expectations!



We have seen this happen many times in history. Those of us who are older

remember well the downfall of the Marcos

regime in the Philippines, and probably the photograph of the

lone protester in front of a tank stands out in our minds.

We might recall various pictures of the Berlin Wall's fall

and the breakdown of Communism in Europe.



Younger readers might be more familiar with the Arab Spring and the bright

hopes it aroused (though the revolutions might not be successfully maintained

later). When tyrants are crushed, the people rejoice.



So Mary sings of God's work to bring down the powerful while elevating the

abject; feeding the hungry while dismissing



with nothing the affluent; and showing vigorous power while scattering the

arrogant in their deliberations. Verily, God acts in the world to inaugurate justice!



prayer



Omnipotent God of fairness and truth, enable us to participate

in your establishment of righteousness. Amen.



Read Luke 1:45-55.



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

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



The Song of Mary



46 And Mary said:

"My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded

the low estate of His servant;

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

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

and holy is His name.

50 His mercy is on those who fear Him

from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with His arm;

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

52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of low degree.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich He has sent away empty.

54 He has helped His servant Israel,

in remembrance of His mercy,

55 as He spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”



From the AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

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



Say to those who are of a fearful heart,

"Be strong, fear not.

Your God will come

with vengeance,

even God with a recompense;

He will come and save you."ISAIAH 35:4



There is no better word for it God's love is astounding! Check out Isaiah

35: "the blind shall see, the lame shall leap, the tongues of the speechless

shall sing for joy"--that's astounding! It's like the comment an 8-year-old

made when he saw the Grand Canyon for the first time: "Wow, something

big must have happened here!"

Isaiah's words are comforting and hopeful for each of us. In a world

where there is so little hope. where there is so much pain. so many

disappointments. this prophecy of God's action in the world is ... well

simply astounding!

It is the Lord who brings us joy that last s a lifetime and beyond. We have

already obtained "Joy and gladness" as "sorrow and sighing shall flee

away." And now e each get a chance to bring this astounding news to

others. That's what Advent is all about. This Advent, why not have this as

your mission: Give fewer gifts but more presence. Like Isaiah, bring your

presence to others by simply doing this: "Say to those who are of a fearful

heart, 'Be strong, do not fear!"

To whom will you proclaim astounding message today?

Lord. you astound us every day--first, by loving us completely and then by

blessing us through our Good Fridays and our Easters -- through our AH-

HAs and our UH-OHs. Fill us with your AH-HAs as we seek to bring hope to

the UH-OHs in our lives . In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Isaiah 35:1-10



Isaiah 35



The Future Glory of Zion



1 (Isa 51:3; 55:12-13) The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad,

and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;

2 (Isa 60:13; 25:9) it shall blossom abundantly

and rejoice even with joy and singing.

The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,

the excellency of Carmel and Sharon.

They shall see the glory of the Lord

and the excellency of our God.

3 (Heb 12:12; Job 4:3-4) Strengthen the weak hands,

and support the feeble knees.

4 Isa 34:8; 28:16 Say to those who are of a fearful heart,

"Be strong, fear not.

Your God will come

with vengeance,

even God with a recompense;

He will come and save you."

5 (Isa 29:18; 32:3-4) Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

6 (Lk 11:14; Jn 5:8-9) Then the lame man shall leap as a deer,

and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.

For in the wilderness waters shall break out

and streams in the desert.

7 (Isa 13:22; 34:13) The parched ground shall become a pool,

and the thirsty land springs of water;

in the habitation of jackals where each lay,

there shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

8 (Isa 52:1; 11:16) A highway shall be there, a roadway,

and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.

The unclean shall not pass on it,

but it shall be for the wayfaring men,

and fools shall not wander on it.

9 (Isa 62:12) No lion shall be there,

nor any ravenous beast shall go up on it;

these shall not be found there,

but the redeemed shall walk there,

10 (Rev 21:4; Isa 25:8) and the ransomed of the Lord shall return

and come to Zion with songs

and everlasting joy upon their heads.

They shall obtain joy and gladness,

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.



From On Eagle's wings Day 6

Getting A Peek Inside

3 (1Pe 2:2; 1Co 14:20) and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are

converted and become like little children, you will not enter

the kingdom of heaven. "

[3] And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as

little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3

One little girl caught my attention during a week of Bible Camp in

Behchoko. Every day she would arrive with a rolling suitcase and

backpack which were about the same size as herself. Her belongings

remained always by her side. Several times during the week we

encouraged her to leave her suitcase and backpack while we went on

our little field trips. She didn't talk much, but you could tell she was

considering leaving her things, but didn't. I was curious to know

what she was protecting. Her mom told us that she sleeps with the

backpack and suitcase. What was so precious? By the end of the

week, she eventually allowed me to look in the suitcase. Packed

neatly inside were lots of Barbies and a Spiderman doll.

We often protect ourselves and our things like the little girl did. But

when we understand that God's love is for everyone, including

ourselves, we begin to let our guard down. There was a growing

level of trust and compassion between myself and this girl that

allowed me to eventually see her precious things. This girl showed

me kindness that opened my heart.

Think about baby Jesus and how he came into our lives to share

God’s love. God gave us his most precious thing - his Son - not so

that we can only take a peek inside the Kingdom of Heaven, but so

that we can jump right in and receive all the love, trust and

compassion that God offers.

God of love, thank you for giving us Jesus so that we may know

how deep your love is for us, and that by looking to him, we

might know how to love others. Help us to trust you that we can

let our guard down and enter into the life you offer. Amen.

Written by Amy Rosborough, Lansdale, PA, 2017

On Eagle's Wings Volunteer



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to be Joyful in Life

with the help of the Holy Spirit.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be imitators of the Lord and pray to put on

the full Spiritual armour.



Pray to the Lord: "Saving Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross

and rising to new life. I place my trust in You"



Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him who strenghtens you.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him that creates wealth.



Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him all your 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 that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer

and never cease to call upon God



Thank you, Jesus, that your name is the name above all other

names. Thank you, Jesus, that your name saves us. Amen.



Pray: Omnipotent God of fairness and truth, enable us to participate

in your establishment of righteousness. Amen.



Pray: Lord. you astound us every day--first, by loving us completely

and then by blessing us through our Good Fridays and our Easters

-- through our AH-HAs and our UH-OHs. Fill us with your AH-HAs

as we seek to bring hope to the UH-OHs in our lives .

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



Pray: Father, open the ears of our hearts to hear you speaking to

us of your love and peace this Christmas. Amen.



Pray: God of love, thank you for giving us Jesus so that we may know

how deep your love is for us, and that by looking to him, we

might know how to love others. Help us to trust you that we can

let our guard down and enter into the life you offer. Amen.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.



Remember eternity starts now -

Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.

Day 343 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 15th Day of Advent 8 December 2024 reflections part 1

Day 343, 8 December 2024 - 15th Day of Advent



Today at Calvary Community Church

Pastor Barry Regier spoke on Joy

Galatians 5:19-23



19 (Mt 15:18-19; 1Co 3:3) Now the works of the flesh are revealed,

which are these: adultery, sexual immorality, impurity, lewdness,

20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy,

rage, selfishness, dissensions, heresies,

21 (Ro 13:13; 1Co 6:9-10) envy, murders, drunkenness, carousing,

and the like. I warn you, as I previously warned you,

that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 (Eph 5:9; Ro 7:4) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

patience, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 (Ac 24:25; 1Ti 1:9) meekness, and self-control; against

such there is no law.



[19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery,

fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

[20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,

seditions, heresies,

[21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which

I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do

such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,

gentleness, goodness, faith,

[23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.



The Holy Spirit Produces Joy



Nehemiah 8:10



10 (Dt 26:11-13; Est 9:19) Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat,

drink the sweet drink, and send portions to those for whom nothing is

prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy

of the Lord is your strength."



[10] Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is

holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your

strength.



John 16:24





24 (Jn 15:11) Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will

receive, that your joy may be full.



[24] Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive,

that your joy may be full.



Happiness mentioned 26 times



JOy or Rejoicing - 330 times



Excuses Kill Joy



Guilt and Negativity kills Joy



Psalm 51:12



12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

and uphold me with Your willing spirit.



12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;

And uphold me with thy free spirit.



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.



Hardship develops joy



Hebrews 12:2



2 (Heb 1:3; Lk 24:26) Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our

faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising

the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.



[2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy

that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set

down at the right hand of the throne of God.



Isaiah 40:31



31 (2Co 4:16; Ps 103:5; Ex 19:4) but those who wait upon the Lord

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

and they shall walk and not faint.



[31] But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall

mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they

shall walk, and not faint.



1 Thessalonians 1:6-7



6 (Ac 13:52; 1Co 4:16) You became followers of us and the Lord,

having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.

7 Therefore you were examples to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia.



[6] And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word

in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

[7] So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.



Obedience Fosters Joy



Philippians 4:4



4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12) Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!



[4] Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.



Psalm 118:24



24 This is the day that the Lord has made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it.



[24] This is the day which the LORD hath made;

We will rejoice and be glad in it.



Psalm 30:11-12



11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For You have turned my mourning into dancing;

You have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,

12 so that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.



[11] Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my

sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

[12] To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O

LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.



1) Ephesians 1, Ephesians 2, Ephesians 3, Ephesians4, Ephesians 5, Ephesians 6



Ephesians 1



Salutation



1 (2Co 1:1; Col 1:2) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,

To the saints who are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ.



[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which

are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

[2] Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus

Christ.



Spiritual Blessings in Christ



3 (2Co 1:3; Eph 6:12; 2:6) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus

Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly

places in Christ,

4 (Eph 5:27; Col 1:22) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation

of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him in love;

5 (Ro 8:29-30; Eph 1:11) He predestined us to adoption as sons to Himself

through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of His will,

6 (Mt 3:17; Eph 1:12) to the praise of the glory of His grace which

He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved.

7 (Ro 3:24; Ac 2:38; 20:28) In Him we have redemption through His blood

and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace,

8 which He lavished on us in all wisdom and insight,

9 (Ro 8:28; Eph 1:11) making known to us the mystery of His will,

according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Himself,

10 (Col 1:20; Eph 3:15) as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite

all things in Christ, which are in heaven and on earth.

11 (Eph 1:14; Heb 6:17) In Him also we have received an inheritance,

being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things

according to the counsel of His own will,

12 (Eph 1:6) that we, who were the first to hope in Christ,

should live for the praise of His glory.

13 (Eph 4:30; Ac 1:4; 2:33) In Him you also, after hearing the word of truth,

the gospel of your salvation, and after believing in Him,

were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

14 (Ro 8:23; 2Co 1:22) who is the guarantee of our inheritance

until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.



[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed

us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the

world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

[5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to

himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

[6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us

accepted in the beloved.

[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,

according to the riches of his grace;

[8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good

pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

[10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather

together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which

are on earth; even in him:

[11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated

according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of

his own will:

[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in

Christ.

[13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the

gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were

sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

[14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the

purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.



Paul's Prayer



15 (Phm 1:5) Therefore I also, after hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus

and your love toward all the saints,

16 (Ro 1:8-9; Col 1:9) do not cease giving thanks for you, mentioning you

in my prayers,

17 (Jn 20:17; Ac 7:2) so that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father

of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge

of Him,

18 (Ac 26:18; 2Co 4:6) that the eyes of your understanding may be enlightened,

that you may know what is the hope of His calling and what are the riches

of the glory of His inheritance among the saints,

19 (Col 1:29; Eph 3:7) and what is the surpassing greatness of His power

toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power,

20 (Mk 16:19; Ps 110:1) which He performed in Christ when He raised Him

from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,

21 (Col 2:10; Heb 1:4) far above all principalities, and power, and might,

and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age

but also in that which is to come.

22 (1Co 11:3; Mt 16:18) And He put all things in subjection under His feet

and made Him the head over all things for the church,

23 (Jn 1:16; Eph 3:19) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills

all things in all ways.



[15] Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and

love unto all the saints,

[16] Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

[17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give

unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

[18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what

is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his

inheritance in the saints,

[19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe,

according to the working of his mighty power,

[20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set

him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

[21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and

every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is

to come:

[22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head

over all things to the church,

[23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.



Ephesians 2



From Death to Life



1 (Col 2:13; Lk 15:24) And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,

2 (Jn 12:31; Eph 6:12; 2:3) in which you formerly walked according

to the age of this world and according to the prince of the power of the air,

the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

3 (Gal 2:15-16; Ps 51:5) among them we all also once lived in the lusts

of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind,

and we were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

4 (Ro 2:4; Eph 1:7) But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love

with which He loved us,

5 (Eph 2:1; Ac 15:11; Eph 2:8) even when we were dead in sins, made us alive

together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

6 (Eph 1:3) and He raised us up and seated us together in the heavenly places

in Christ Jesus,

7 (Titus 3:4; Eph 2:4) so that in the coming ages He might show

the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

8 (Eph 2:5; Mk 16:16) For by grace you have been saved through faith,

and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God,

9 (2Ti 1:9; Ro 3:20) not of works, so that no one should boast.

10 (Eph 4:24; 2Co 5:17; Eph 1:4) For we are His workmanship, created

in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand,

so that we should walk in them.



[1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

[2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,

according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

[3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts

of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were

by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved; )

[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly

places in Christ Jesus:

[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace

in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it

is the gift of God:

[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,

which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.



One in Christ



11 (Col 2:11; 1Co 12:2; Eph 5:8) Therefore remember that formerly you,

the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called the "uncircumcision"

by the so-called "circumcision" in the flesh by human hands,

12 (1Th 4:13; Gal 4:8) were at that time apart from Christ,

alienated from the citizenship of Israel and strangers to the covenants

of promise, without hope and without God in the world.

13 (Ac 2:39; Isa 57:19) But now in Christ Jesus you who were formerly

far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 (Gal 3:28; Mic 5:5) For He is our peace, who has made both groups one

and has broken down the barrier of the dividing wall,

15 (Col 2:14; 2:20) by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, that is,

the law of the ­commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself

He might make the two into one new man, thus making peace,

16 (Eph 2:15; Col 1:20-22) and that He might reconcile both to God

into one body through the cross, thereby slaying the enmity.

17 (Ps 148:14; Dt 4:7) And He came and preached peace to you who were

far away and peace to those who were near.

18 (1Co 12:13; Eph 3:12) For through Him we both have access by one

Spirit to the Father.

19 (Gal 6:10; Php 3:20) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers

and foreigners, but are fellow citizens with the saints and members

of the household of God,

20 (Mt 16:18; Isa 28:16; Rev 21:14) having been built upon

the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself

being the chief cornerstone,

21 (1Co 3:16-17) in whom the entire building, tightly framed together,

grows into a holy temple in the Lord,

22 (1Co 3:16) in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling

place of God through the Spirit.



[11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh,

who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in

the flesh made by hands; without Christ, being aliens from the

commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having

no hope, and without God in the world:

[13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by

the blood of Christ.

[14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the

middle wall of partition between us;

[15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments

contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so

making peace;

[16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross,

having slain the enmity thereby:

[17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them

that were nigh.

[18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but

fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus

Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy

temple in the Lord:

[22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through

the Spirit.



Ephesians 3



Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles



1 (Eph 4:1; Col 1:24) For this reason I, Paul, am the prisoner

of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.

2 (2Ti 1:11; Ro 1:5) You may have heard of the administration of the grace

of God which was given me for you,

3 (Ro 16:25; Ac 22:17) how by revelation He made known to me the mystery,

as I have written briefly already,

4 (2Co 11:6; Col 4:3) by which, when you read it, you may understand

my knowledge of the mystery of Christ,

5 (Ac 10:28; Jn 14:26) which in other generations was not made known

to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to His holy apostles

and prophets by the Spirit,

6 how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members,

and partakers of the promise in Christ by the gospel.

7 (Eph 1:19; 3:2) Of this I was made a minister, according to the gift

of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

8 (1Co 15:9; Ro 11:33) To me, the very least of all saints, this grace

was given, to preach to the Gentiles the incomprehensible riches of Christ,

9 (Col 1:26; 3:3) and to reveal for all people what is the fellowship

of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden

in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ,

10 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 1:12) so that now the manifold wisdom of God might

be made known by the church to the principalities

and powers in the heavenly places,

11 (Eph 1:11) according to the eternal purpose which He completed

in Christ Jesus our Lord,

12 (Eph 2:18) in whom we have boldness and confident access through

faith in Him.

13 (Eph 3:1; 2Co 1:6) Therefore I ask you not to lose heart

at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.



[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

[2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given

me to youward:

[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote

afore in few words,

[4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of

Christ)

[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is

now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and

partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God

given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

[8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given,

that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

[9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which

from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things

by Jesus Christ:

[10] To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly

places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

[11] According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our

Lord:

[12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of

him.

[13] Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which

is your glory.



To Know the Love of Christ



14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 (Eph 1:10; 1:21) from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 (Ro 7:22; Col 1:11) that He would give you, according to the riches of His

glory, power to be strengthened by His Spirit in the inner man,

17 (Col 1:23; Jn 14:23) and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through

faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 (Eph 1:15) may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth

and length and depth and height,

19 (Eph 1:23) and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge;

that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 (Ro 16:25; Eph 3:7) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly

beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power that works in us,

21 (Ro 11:36; 1Pe 5:11_ to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.



[14] For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

[15] Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

[16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be

strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

[17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted

and grounded in love,

[18] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and

length, and depth, and height;

[19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might

be filled with all the fulness of God.

[20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we

ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

[21] Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages,

world without end. Amen.



Ephesians 4



Unity of the Body



1 (Eph 3:1; Col 1:10) I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, exhort you to

walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called.

2 (Col 3:12-13; Ac 20:19) With all humility, meekness, and patience,

bearing with one another in love,

3 be eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 (Eph 1:18; 2:16) There is one body and one Spirit, even as you were called

in one hope of your calling,

5 (1Co 8:6; Mt 28:19) one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 (Ro 11:36; 1Co 12:6) one God and Father of all, who is above all,

and through all, and in you all.

7 (Ro 12:3; Eph 3:2) But grace was given to each one of us according

to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 (Ps 68:18; Col 2:15) Therefore He says:

"When He ascended on high,

He led captivity captive,

and gave gifts to men." (Ps 68:18).

9 (Jn 3:13; 6:33) (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean

but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 (Heb 4:14; 7:26) He who descended is also He who ascended far above

all the heavens that He might fill all things.)

11 (Ac 21:8; 13:1) He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists,

pastors, and teachers,

12 (1Co 12:27; Eph 1:23) for the equipping of the saints, for the work

of service, and for the building up of the body of Christ,

13 (Eph 4:5; 1:23) until we all come into the unity of the faith

and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a complete man,

to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

14 (Jas 1:6; 1Co 14:20) so we may no longer be children, tossed here

and there by waves and carried about with every wind of doctrine

by the trickery of men, by craftiness with deceitful scheming.

15 (Eph 1:22; 2:21) But, speaking the truth in love, we may grow up

in all things into Him, who is the head, Christ Himself,

16 (Col 2:19; Eph 1:4) from whom the whole body is joined together

and connected by every joint and ligament, as every part effectively

does its work and grows, building itself up in love.



[1] I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy

of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

[2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one

another in love;

[3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

[4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of

your calling;

[5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

[6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you

all.

[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the

gift of Christ.

[8] Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity

captive, and gave gifts unto men.

[9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into

the lower parts of the earth?

[10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all

heavens, that he might fill all things.)

[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;

and some, pastors and teachers;

[12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the

edifying of the body of Christ:

[13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the

Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the

fulness of Christ:

[14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried

about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning

craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

[15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head, even Christ:

[16] From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that

which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the

measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of

itself in love.



The Old Life and New Life



17 (Ro 1:21; Eph 2:1-3) Therefore this I say and testify in the Lord,

that from now on you walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity

of their minds,

18 (Eph 2:12; Gal 4:8) having their understanding darkened, excluded

from the life of God through the ignorance that is within them,

due to the hardness of their hearts.

19 (1Ti 4:2) Being calloused they have given themselves over to sensuality

for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

20 But you did not learn about Christ in this manner,

21 (Eph 1:13) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him,

as the truth is in Jesus:

22 (Ro 6:6; Heb 3:13) that you put off the former way of life in the old

nature, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,

23 (Ro 12:2; Col 3:10) and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 (Ro 6:4; Eph 2:10) and that you put on the new nature,

which was created according to God in righteousness and true holiness.



[17] This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk

not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

[18] Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God

through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their

heart:

[19] Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness,

to work all uncleanness with greediness.

[20] But ye have not so learned Christ;

[21] If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the

truth is in Jesus:

[22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which

is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

[23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

[24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in

righteousness and true holiness.



Rules for the New Life



25 (Col 3:9; Zec 8:16; Ro 12:5) Therefore, putting away lying, let every man

speak truthfully with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.

26 (Ps 37:8; 4:4) Be angry but do not sin.

Do not let the sun go down on your anger.

27 (Jas 4:7) Do not give place to the devil.

28 (Ex 20:15; 1Th 4:11-12) Let him who steals steal no more. Instead,

let him labour, working with his hands things which are good,

that he may have something to share with him who is in need.

29 (Col 4:6) Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth,

but only that which is good for building up, that it may give grace

to the listeners.

30 (1Th 5:19; Isa 63:10; Ro 8:23) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,

in whom you are sealed for the day of redemption.

31 (Col 3:8; Ecc 7:9; Col 3:19) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outbursts,

and blasphemies, with all malice, be taken away from you.

32 (2Co 2:10; Col 3:12-13; Mt 6:12) And be kind one to another,

tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ

also forgave you.



[25] Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:

for we are members one of another.

[26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

[27] Neither give place to the devil.

[28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working

with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that

needeth.

[29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which

is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

[30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the

day of redemption.

[31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil

speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

[32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.



Ephesians 5



1 (Eph 4:32; Mt 5:48) Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children.

2 (Jn 13:34; Col 3:14) Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself

for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.

3 (Col 3:5; 1Co 6:18; Eph 5:5) And do not let sexual immorality, or any

impurity, or greed be named among you, as these are not proper among saints.

4 (Eph 4:29; Ro 1:28) Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish talking,

nor coarse joking, which are not fitting. Instead, give thanks.

5 (Col 3:5; Gal 5:21) For this you know, that no sexually immoral

or impure person, or one who is greedy, who is an idolater,

has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.



[1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

[2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself

for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

[3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be

once named among you, as becometh saints;

[4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not

convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

[5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous

man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and

of God.



Walk as Children of Light



6 (Ro 1:18; Col 2:8) Let no one deceive you with empty words,

for because of these things

the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.

7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.

8 (Lk 16:8; Jn 12:36) For you were formerly darkness,

but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light-

9 (Ro 15:14) for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness

and righteousness and truth-

10 (1Th 5:21) proving what is pleasing to the Lord.

11 (Ro 13:12; 1Ti 5:20) And do not have fellowship

with the unfruitful works of darkness; instead, expose them.

12 (Eph 5:3) For it is shameful even to speak of those things

which are done by them in secret.

13 (Jn 3:20-21) But all things are exposed when they are revealed

by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

14 (Isa 60:1; 26:19) Therefore He says:

"Awake, you who sleep,

arise from the dead,

and Christ will give you light."



[6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things

cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

[7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk

as children of light:

[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and

truth;)

[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

[11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but

rather reprove them.

[12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them

in secret.

[13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for

whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

[14] Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead,

and Christ shall give thee light.



Walk as Children of Light



15 (Col 4:5) See then that you walk carefully, not as fools, but as wise men,

16 (Eph 6:13; Col 4:5) making the most of the time because the days are evil.

17 (Ro 12:2; Col 1:9) Therefore do not be unwise, but understand

what the will of the Lord is.

18 (Pr 20:1; 1Co 5:11; Lk 1:15) Do not be drunk with wine, for that is

reckless living. But be filled with the Spirit.

19 (Col 3:16; Ac 16:25; 1Co 14:26) Speak to one another in psalms, hymns,

and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

20 (Col 3:17; Ps 34:1; Eph 5:4) Give thanks always for all things to God

the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

21 (Php 2:3; Eph 5:22) being submissive to one another in the fear of God.



[15] See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

[16] Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

[17] Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord

is.

[18] And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the

Spirit;

[19] Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing

and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

[20] Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name

of our Lord Jesus Christ;

[21] Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.



Wives and Husbands



22 (Ge 3:16; 1Co 14:34) Wives, be submissive to your own husbands

as unto the Lord.

23 (Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:18) For the husband is the head of the wife,

just as Christ is the head and Savior of the church, which is His body.

24 (Col 3:20; 3:22) But as the church submits to Christ,

so also let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

25 (Eph 5:28; Col 3:19) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ

also loved the church and gave Himself for it,

26 (Ac 22:16; 1Co 6:11) that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing

of water by the word,

27 (2Co 11:2; Col 1:22; Eph 1:4) and that He might present to Himself

a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing,

but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 (Eph 5:25; 5:33) In this way men ought to love their wives as their

own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it,

just as the Lord cares for the church.

30 (1Co 6:15; Ge 2:23) For we are members of His body, of His flesh

and of His bones.

31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother

and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh."(Ge 2:24. )

32 This is a great mystery, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.

33 (Eph 5:25) However, let each one of you love his wife as himself,

and let the wife see that she respects her husband.



[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of

the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to

their own husbands in every thing.

[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and

gave himself for it;

[26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the

word,

[27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot,

or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without

blemish.

[28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth

his wife loveth himself.

[29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth

it, even as the Lord the church:

[30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

[31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be

joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

[32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

[33] Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even

as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.



Ephesians 6



Children and Parents



1 (Pr 6:20; 23:22) Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

2 (Ex 20:12) "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment

with a promise,

3 "so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."

4 (Ge 18:19; Dt 6:7) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,

but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.



[1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

[2] Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with

promise;)

[3] That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

[4] And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up

in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.



Servants and Masters



5 (1Co 2:3; Eph 5:22) Servants, obey those who are your masters according

to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your heart,

as to Christ,

6 not serving when eyes are on you, but as pleasing men as the servants

of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

7 with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,

8 (Col 3:24; 3:11) knowing that whatever good thing any man does,

he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is enslaved or free.

9 (Job 31:13-15; Jn 13:13) And masters, do the same things for them,

no longer threatening, knowing that your Master also is in heaven,

and there is no partiality with Him.



[5] Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the

flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

[6] Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ,

doing the will of God from the heart;

[7] With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

[8] Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he

receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

[9] And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening:

knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of

persons with him.



The Battle Against Evil



10 (Eph 1:19; 1Co 16:13) Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord

and in the power of His might.

11 (Eph 6:13; Ro 13:12; Eph 4:14) Put on the whole armour of God that

you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

12 (Eph 1:3; 1:2) 1For our fight is not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers

of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil

in the heavenly places.

13 (Eph 5:16) Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be

able to resist in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 (Isa 11:5; 59:17) Stand therefore, having your waist girded with truth,

having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 (Isa 52:7; Ro 10:15) having your feet fitted with the readiness

of the gospel of peace, 16and above all, taking the shield of faith,

with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery arrows

of the evil one.

17 (Heb 4:12; Isa 49:2; 59:17) Take the helmet of salvation

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 (Col 4:2; 1Ti 2:1; Eph 1:16) Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds

of prayer and supplication. To that end be alert with all perseverance

and supplication for all the saints.

19 (1Th 5:25; Ac 4:29) Pray for me, that the power to speak may be given

to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery

of the gospel,

20 (2Co 5:20; Ac 28:20) for which I am an ambassador in chains,

that I may speak boldly as I ought to speak.



[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his

might.

[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against

the wiles of the devil.

[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,

against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against

spiritual wickedness in high places.

[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to

withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on

the breastplate of righteousness;

[15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to

quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is

the word of God:

[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and

watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

[19] And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my

mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

[20] For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly,

as I ought to speak.



Final Greetings



21 (Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:12) Now that you also may know my activities

and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother

and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you.

22 (Col 4:7-8) I have sent him to you for this very purpose,

that you might know our activities and that he might comfort your hearts.

23 (Gal 6:16; 1Pe 5:14) Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith,

from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24 (Mt 22:37) Grace be with all those who love

our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.



[21] But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved

brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all

things:

[22] Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our

affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

[23] Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and

the Lord Jesus Christ.

[24] Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

Amen.

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - Time Heist

**Review of "Time Heist"**



In "Time Heist," the Doctor, Clara, and two strangers awaken in a mysterious heist scenario with their memories wiped, tasked with infiltrating the Bank of Karabraxos—the most secure in the universe. The narrative unfolds as a mix of a classic caper and sci-fi mystery, exploring themes of guilt, trust, and second chances.



The standout feature is the dynamic pacing, with the story seamlessly balancing high-stakes action and clever twists. The Doctor’s team, including the augmented hacker Psi and shape-shifter Saibra, adds depth, though the supporting characters aren’t as fleshed out as they could be. Their respective backstories provide emotional weight, particularly as their motivations are tied to the heist's outcome.



Peter Capaldi is in top form as the Twelfth Doctor, showcasing his sharp intellect and moral complexity. Jenna Coleman’s Clara continues to ground the narrative, serving as the audience’s emotional anchor amidst the chaos. Keeley Hawes impresses as Ms. Delphox, the cold-hearted bank representative, and the villainous Teller—a creature able to detect guilt—adds an element of dread and tension.



The episode’s visuals are sleek and polished, capturing the futuristic, high-tech aesthetic of the bank. Director Douglas Mackinnon builds suspense effectively, particularly in scenes involving the Teller’s menacing abilities. Murray Gold’s score enhances the tension and energy of the heist.



Where the episode falters slightly is in its resolution. While the reveal that the Doctor himself orchestrated the heist adds a clever twist, it feels rushed, and the emotional stakes could have been more fully explored. The conclusion, which ties the plot to a larger theme of redemption and compassion, is satisfying but lacks a profound impact.



**Final Rating: 85/100**

"Time Heist" is an energetic and inventive episode that combines the thrills of a caper with Doctor Who’s signature heart and wit. While not perfect, its engaging plot and clever twists make it a memorable adventure.

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - Let's Kill Hitler

**Doctor Who: Let's Kill Hitler (8/10)**



"Let's Kill Hitler" is a unique and thought-provoking episode that explores the consequences of time travel and the morality of altering history.



**Key Strengths:**



**Historical Setting:** The 1930s setting provides a fascinating backdrop for the story.

**The Doctor's Dilemma:** The Doctor's internal conflict between his desire to save lives and his understanding of the consequences of time travel adds depth to the character.

**Amy and Rory's Dynamic:** The episode further develops the relationship between Amy and Rory, highlighting their love and commitment to each other.



**Potential Weaknesses:**



**Some Pacing Issues:** The episode might have some pacing issues, with certain scenes feeling a bit slow or rushed.

* **The Villain:** The villain, a rogue Time Agent, is not particularly memorable or threatening.



Overall, "Let's Kill Hitler" is a well-crafted episode with a strong central idea. The Doctor's moral dilemma and the exploration of the consequences of time travel make for a thought-provoking story. While the villain might be underwhelming, the episode's strengths outweigh its weaknesses.

Day 342 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 14th Day of Advent 7 December 2024 reflections

Day 344, 7 December 2024 - 14th Day of Advent



1) Colossians 1, Colossians 2, Colossians 3, Colossians 4, Philemon



Colossians 1



Salutation



1 (2Co 1:1; 1Co 1:1; Php 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

by the will of God,and Timothy our brother,

2 (Ro 1:7; Eph 1:1) To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ who are

at Colosse:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.



[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our

brother,

[2] To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse:

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.



Thankfulness for the Colossians



3 (Eph 1:15) We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

praying always for you.

4 (Gal 5:6; Eph 1:15) For we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love

for all the saints,

5 (Ac 23:6; Eph 1:13) because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,

of which you have already heard in the word of the truth of the gospel,

6 (Jn 15:16; Ps 98:3) which has come to you, as it has in all the world,

and brings forth fruit, as it has also in you, since the day you heard it

and knew the grace of God in truth.

7 (Col 4:12; Phm 1:23) And you also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow

servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you,

8 (Ro 15:30) who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.



[3] We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying

always for you,

[4] Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye

have to all the saints,

[5] For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before

in the word of the truth of the gospel;

[6] Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth

fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the

grace of God in truth:

[7] As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a

faithful minister of Christ;

[8] Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.



The Person and Work of Christ



9 (Eph 1:8; 5:17) For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not

cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge

of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10 (Eph 4:1; 1Th 4:1) that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,

pleasing to all, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing

in the knowledge of God,

11 (Eph 4:2; 3:16) strengthened with all might according to His glorious

power, enduring everything with perseverance and patience joyfully,

12 (Ac 20:32; 26:18) giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled us to be

partakers in the inheritance of the saints in light.

13 (Eph 6:12; 1:6) He has delivered us from the power of darkness

and has transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son,

14 (Eph 1:7) in whom we have redemption through His blood,

the forgiveness of sins.

15 (2Co 4:4; Jn 1:18) He is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn

of every creature.

16 (Jn 1:3; Ro 11:36) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven

and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones,

or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him

and for Him.

17 (Jn 8:58; Heb 1:3) He is before all things,

and in Him all things hold together.

18 (Ac 26:23; Eph 1:22-23) He is the head of the body, the church.

He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things

He may have the preeminence.

19 (Jn 1:16; Col 2:9) For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness

should dwell,

20 (Eph 1:10; Ro 5:1) and to reconcile all things to Himself by Him,

having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him, I say-whether

they are things in earth, or things in heaven.

21 (Eph 2:12) And you, who were formerly alienated and enemies

in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled

22 (Ro 7:4; Eph 5:27) in the body of His flesh through death,

to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight,

23 (Eph 3:17; Mk 16:15) if you continue in the faith, grounded and settled,

and are not removed from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard,

and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven,

and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.



[9] For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray

for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his

will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

[10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful

in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

[11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all

patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

[12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

[13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated

us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

[14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of

sins:

[15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

[16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in

earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or

principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

[17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

[18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the

firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

[19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

[20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to

reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in

earth, or things in heaven.

[21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by

wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

[22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and

unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

[23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away

from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to

every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;



Paul's Ministry to the Church



24 (2Ti 1:8; 2Co 7:4) Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake

and fill up in my flesh that which is lacking in the afflictions of Christ,

for the sake of His body, which is the church.

25 (Eph 3:2; Col 1:23) I have been made a servant of it according

to the commission of God, which has been given to me for you,

to fulfill the word of God,

26 (Ro 16:25-26) even the mystery which has been hidden from past ages

and generations, but now is revealed to His saints.

27 (1Ti 1:1; Ro 8:10) To them God would make known what is the glorious

riches of this mystery among the nations. It is Christ in you,

the hope of glory,

28 (1Co 2:6; Col 1:22) whom we preach, warning everyone and teaching everyone

in all wisdom, so that we may present them perfect in Christ Jesus.

29 (1Co 15:10; Eph 1:19) In this I labor, striving according to His power,

which effectively works in me.



[24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is

behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which

is the church:

[25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God

which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

[26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations,

but now is made manifest to his saints:

[27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this

mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

[28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all

wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

[29] Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which

worketh in me mightily.



Colossians 2



1 (Col 1:29; Rev 1:11) I would like you to know what a great struggle

I am having for you, and for those at Laodicea,

and for everyone who has not seen my face in the flesh,

2 (Col 4:8; Ro 16:25) that their hearts may be comforted, being knit together

in love, and receive all the riches and assurance of full understanding,

and knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,

3 (Ro 11:33; 1Co 1:24) in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom

and knowledge.

4 (Eph 5:6) Now this I say lest anyone beguile you with enticing words.

5 (1Co 14:40; 1Pe 5:9) For though I am absent in the flesh,

yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your orderliness

and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.



[1] For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for

them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

[2] That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and

unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the

acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

[3] In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

[4] And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

[5] For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit,

joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in

Christ.



Fullness of Life in Christ



6 (Col 1:10; 1Th 4:1) As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord,

so walk in Him,

7 (Eph 3:17; 2:20-22) rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith,

as you have been taught, and abounding with thanksgiving.

8 (1Ti 6:20; Gal 4:3) Beware lest anyone captivate you through philosophy

and vain deceit, in the tradition of men and the elementary principles

of the world, and not after Christ.

9 (Col 1:19; Jn 1:14) For in Him lives all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

10 And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all authority and power.

11 (Ro 2:29; 6:6) In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision

made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh,

by the circumcision of Christ,

12 (Ac 2:24; Ro 4:24) buried with Him in baptism, in which also you were

raised with Him through the faith of the power of God, who has raised Him

from the dead.

13 (Eph 2:1; Jas 2:26) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision

of your flesh, He has resurrected together with Him, having forgiven you all

sins.

14 (Ac 3:19; Col 2:20) He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was

against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to

the cross.

15 (Eph 4:8; Lk 10:18) And having disarmed authorities and powers,

He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross.

16 (Heb 9:10; 1Ch 23:31) Therefore let no one judge you regarding food,

or drink, or in respect of a holy day or new moon or sabbath days.

17 (Heb 8:5; 10:1) These are shadows of things to come, but the substance

belongs to Christ.

18 (Col 2:23; 2:8) Do not let anyone cheat you of your reward by delighting

in false humility and the worship of angels, dwelling on those things which

he has not seen, vainly arrogant due to his unspiritual mind,

19 (Eph 4:15-16) and not supporting the head, from which the entire body,

nourished and knit together by joints and sinews, grows as God gives

the increase.



[6] As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

[7] Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been

taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

[8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after

the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after

Christ.

[9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

[10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and

power:

[11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without

hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision

of Christ:

[12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through

the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

[13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh,

hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

[14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which

was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

[15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them

openly, triumphing over them in it.

[16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of

an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

[17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

[18] Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and

worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen,

vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

[19] And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands

having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the

increase of God.



The New Life in Christ



20 (Col 2:8; 2:14) Therefore, if you died with Christ to the elementary

principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world,

do you subject yourself to legalistic rules?

21 (1Ti 4:3) "Do not touch! Do not taste! Do not handle!"

22 (Isa 29:13; 1Co 6:13) These all are to perish with use and are aligned

with the commandments and doctrines of men.

23 (Col 2:18; 1Ti 4:8) These things have indeed a show of wisdom in

self-imposed worship and humility and neglecting of the body,

but are worthless against the indulgence of the flesh.



[20] Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world,

why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

[21] (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

[22] Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and

doctrines of men?

[23] Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and

humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of

the flesh.



Colossians 3



1 (Ps 110:1; Mk 16:19) If you then were raised with Christ, desire those

things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.

2 (Mt 16:23) Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth.

3 (Ro 6:2; Col 2:20) For you are dead,

and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

4 (1Jn 3:2; Jn 11:25) When Christ who is our life shall appear, then you also

shall appear with Him in glory.

5 (Ro 8:13; 1Co 6:18) Therefore put to death the parts of your earthly nature:

sexual immorality, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire,

and covetousness, which is idolatry.

6 (Ro 1:18; Eph 5:6) Because of these things, the wrath of God comes

on the sons of disobedience.

7 (Eph 2:2) You also once walked in these, when you lived in them.

8 (Eph 4:22; 4:29) But now you must also put away all these: anger, wrath,

malice, blasphemy, and filthy language out of your mouth.

9 (Eph 4:22; 4:25) Do not lie one to another, since you have put off

the old nature with its deeds,

10 (Eph 2:10; 4:23-24; Ro 12:2) and have embraced the new nature,

which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created it,

11 (Ro 10:12; Eph 1:23) where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor

uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free,

but Christ is all and in all.

12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,

a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.

13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another and forgive one

another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you,

so you must do.

14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,

which is the bond of perfection.

15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God, to which also you are called

in one body, rule in your hearts. And be thankful.

16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly

in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns

and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20) And whatever you do in word or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father

through Him.



[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

[2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

[3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

[4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear

with him in glory.

[5] Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication,

uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness,

which is idolatry:

[6] For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of

disobedience:

[7] In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

[8] But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy,

filthy communication out of your mouth.

[9] Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his

deeds;

[10] And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the

image of him that created him:

[11] Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision,

Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

[12] Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of

mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

[13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a

quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

[14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of

perfectness.

[15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are

called in one body; and be ye thankful.

[16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and

admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing

with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

[17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord

Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.



Social Duties of the New Life



18 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands,

as it is fitting in the Lord.

19 (Eph 5:25; 1Pe 3:7) Husbands, love your wives,

and do not be bitter toward them.

20 (Ex 20:12; Eph 5:24) Children, obey your parents in all things,

for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

21 (Eph 6:4) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,

lest they be discouraged.

22 (Col 3:20) Servants, obey your masters in all things according

to the flesh, serving not only when they are watching, as the servants

of men, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.

23 (Col 3:17) And whatever you do, do it heartily,

as for the Lord and not for men,

24 (1Co 7:22; Eph 6:8) knowing that from the Lord you will receive

the reward of the inheritance. For you serve the Lord Christ.

25 (Ac 10:34; Dt 10:17) But he who does wrong will receive

for the wrong which he has done, and there is no partiality.



[18] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the

Lord.

[19] Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

[20] Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing

unto the Lord.

[21] Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

[22] Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not

with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

[23] And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

[24] Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the

inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

[25] But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done:

and there is no respect of persons.



Colossians 4



1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and fair,

knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.



[1] Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing

that ye also have a Master in heaven.



Exhortations



2 (Lk 18:1; Eph 6:18) Continue in prayer, and be watchful with thanksgiving,

3 (Eph 6:19-20; Ac 14:27) while praying also for us, that God would open

to us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am

also in chains,

4 (Eph 6:20) that I may reveal it clearly, as I ought to speak.

5 (Mk 4:11; Eph 5:15-17) Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside,

wisely using the opportunity.

6 (Mk 9:50; 1Pe 3:15) Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned

with salt, that you may know how you should answer everyone.



[2] Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

[3] Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of

utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

[4] That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

[5] Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

[6] Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may

know how ye ought to answer every man.



Final Greetings



7 (Ac 20:4; Col 4:9) Tychicus, who is a beloved brother and a faithful

minister and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.

8 (Eph 6:22; Col 2:2) I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that he

might know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,

9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.

They will make known to you everything which is happening here.

10 (Ac 19:29; 27:2) Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark,

the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions:

If he comes to you, receive him),

11 (Ac 11:2) and Jesus, who is called Justus. These are my only fellow

workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision.

They have been a comfort to me.

12 (Ro 15:30; Col 1:7) Epaphras greets you. He is one of you, a servant

of Christ, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may

stand mature and complete in the entire will of God.

13 (Col 2:1) I bear witness of him, that he has a great zeal for you,

those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

14 (Phm 1:24; 2Ti 4:10-11) Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.

15 (Ro 16:5) Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nympha,

and the church which is in his house.

16 (1Th 5:27; 2Th 3:14) When this epistle is read among you, ensure that it is

read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you, likewise,

read the epistle from Laodicea.

17 (Phm 1:2) Tell Archippus, "Make sure that you fulfill the ministry

which you have received in the Lord."

18 (1Co 16:21; 1Ti 6:21) I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.

Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.



[7] All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother,

and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

[8] Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your

estate, and comfort your hearts;

[9] With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They

shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

[10] Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to

Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you,

receive him;)

[11] And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These

only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort

unto me.

[12] Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always

labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and

complete in all the will of God.

[13] For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that

are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

[14] Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

[15] Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church

which is in his house.

[16] And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in

the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from

Laodicea.

[17] And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast

received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

[18] The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with

you. Amen.



Philemon



The epistle of Paul the Apostle to Philemon was written in Rome

in about AD 62. This story is about a servant named Onesimus

who ran away from Philemon, a Christian of Colosse. Onesimus had departed

from Philemon and fled to Rome, where he then became converted

under Paul's ministry. Paul sent him back to Philemon with this letter

to reconcile their broken relationship, since they were both in Christ.

The letter about Onesimus was included in the canon, in the opinion of some,

due to the authenticity of its authorship. Paul's political astuteness

and personal interaction with the recipient make this letter both warm

and compelling. It is truly a heartfelt plea from one Christian to another.



Salutation



Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,



1 To Philemon, our beloved fellow laborer,

2 and to beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier,

and to the church in your house:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.



[1] Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon

our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

[2] And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the

church in thy house:

[3] Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.



Philemon's Love and Faith



4 I thank my God, always mentioning you in my prayers,

5 whenever I hear of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus

and for all the saints,

6 that the sharing of your faith may be most effective by the acknowledgment

of every good thing which is in you from Christ Jesus.

7 For we have great joy and encouragement on account of your love,

because the hearts of the saints are refreshed through you, brother.



[4] I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

[5] Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus,

and toward all saints;

[6] That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the

acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

[7] For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of

the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.



Paul Pleads for Onesimus



8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you

to do that which is proper,

9 yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you-I, Paul, an old man,

and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ-

10 I appeal to you on behalf of my son Onesimus, whose father I have become

in my imprisonment,

11 who in the past was unprofitable to you,

but now he is profitable to you and to me.

12 I have sent him back. Therefore receive him as my own heart.

13 I wanted to keep him with me, so that in your place he might serve me

during my imprisonment for the gospel.

14 But without your consent I would do nothing, so that your goodness

would not be forced, but given willingly.

15 Perhaps this was why he departed for a while,

that you might receive him forever,

16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother,

especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh

and in the Lord.

17 If then you consider me a partner, receive him as you would me.

18 If he wronged you or owes you anything, charge this to my account.

19 I, Paul, have written this with my own hand. I will repay it-not

to mention that you owe me even your own self.

20 Yes, brother, help me rejoice in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord.

21 Being convinced of your obedience, I write to you,

knowing that you will also do more than I say.

22 But, in addition, prepare also lodging for me,

for I hope that through your prayers I shall be graciously restored to you.



[8] Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that

which is convenient,

[9] Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the

aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

[10] I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

[11] Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee

and to me:

[12] Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own

bowels:

[13] Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have

ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

[14] But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be

as it were of necessity, but willingly.

[15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest

receive him for ever;

[16] Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially

to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

[17] If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

[18] If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

[19] I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do

not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

[20] Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in

the Lord.

[21] Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou

wilt also do more than I say.

[22] But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your

prayers I shall be given unto you.



Final Greetings



23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow laborers.

25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.



[23] There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

[24] Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

[25] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.



2) Our Daily Bread for 7 December 2024 Titled

Tempted and Tested



1 Corinthians 10:11-13



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.



[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.



Stanley loves the freedom and flexibility that his job as a private-hire

driver gives him. Among other things, he can start and stop work anytime,

and he doesn't have to account for his time and movements to anyone.

Yet, he said, that's ironically the hardest part.



"In this job, it's so easy to start an extramarital affair," he admitted

frankly. "I pick up all sorts of passengers, yet no one, including my wife,

knows where I am each day." It's not an easy temptation to resist,

and many of his fellow drivers have given in to it, he explained.

"What stops me is considering what God would think,

and how my wife would feel," he said.



Our God, who created each one of us, knows our weaknesses, desires,

and how easily we're tempted. But as 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 reminds us, we can

ask Him for help. "God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what

you can bear," Paul says. "When you are tempted, [God] will also provide a way

out so that you can endure it" (v. 13). That "way out" could be a healthy fear

of the consequences, a guilty conscience, remembering Scripture, a timely

distraction, or something else. As we ask God for strength, the Spirit will

turn our eyes from what's tempting us and help us look toward the way out

that He's given us.



By: Leslie Koh



Reflect & Pray



What temptations are you facing today? What way out might God be giving you

to keep on His right and holy path?



Father, You know my weaknesses. Please give me

the strength to resist temptation and to walk with You,

in Your holy and life-giving ways.



For further study, read Walking Free: Overcoming What Keeps Us from Jesus.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand



Is 41:10



10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,

yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.



10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:

I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;

yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.



Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,

then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.

Falling, without control, without end, falling, falling, falling...

Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense

of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling

without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm

that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships

may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending

ravine of pain and misunderstanding

But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."

Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,

God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;

indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can

do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.

"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength

and hold you up."

God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning

in a world where relationships are temporary and life is

uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.

We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.

His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,

he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,

for he holds us firm.



Application



a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?



b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith

in the midst of my fears?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Mark 4:23-29



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."



The Parable of the Growing Seed



26 (Mt 13:24) He said, "The kingdom of God is like a man

who scatters seed on the ground.

27 (Ecc 11:5) He sleeps and rises night and day,

and the seed sprouts and grows; he does not know how.

28 For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade,

then the head, then the full seed in the head.

29 (Joel 3:13) But when the grain is ripe,

immediately he applies the sickle because the harvest has come."



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.

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should

cast seed into the ground;

27 and should sleep, and rise night and day,

and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade,

then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

29 But when the fruit is brought forth,

immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."



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



God's Gift of Salvation



Ps 51:1-13



PSALMS 51



For the Music Director. A Psalm of David,

when Nathan the Prophet came to him,

after he had gone in to Bathsheba.



1 Have mercy on me, O God,

according to Your lovingkindness;

according to the abundance of Your compassion,

blot out my transgressions.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2 ) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

and cleanse me from my sin.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For I acknowledge my transgressions,

and my sin is ever before me.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Against You, You only, have I sinned,

and done this evil in Your sight,

so that You are justified when You speak,

and You are blameless when You judge.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I was brought forth in iniquity,

and in sin my mother conceived me.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) You desire truth in the inward parts,

and in the hidden part You make me to know wisdom.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3 ) Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Make me to hear joy and gladness,

that the bones that You have broken may rejoice.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Hide Your face from my sins,

and blot out all my iniquities.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Do not cast me away from Your presence,

and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

and uphold me with Your willing spirit.

13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,

and sinners will return to You.



To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet

came unto him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba.



1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness:

According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity,

And cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions:

And my sin is ever before me.

4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:

That thou mightest be justified when thou speakest,

and be clear when thou judgest.

5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity;

And in sin did my mother conceive me.

6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts:

And in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness;

That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

9 Hide thy face from my sins,

And blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God;

And renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence;

And take not thy holy spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;

And uphold me with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways;

And sinners shall be converted unto thee.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13





9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.





6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,

they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.

To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million

Islamic Centre.



Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to

spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.



Nunavut (NU)



NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86



The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed

80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.



Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -



Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)



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



http://www.ehc.ca



7th Day of the Month



a) Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society

and be their help



(

Ps 34:18 - The Lord is near to the broken-hearted,

and saves the contrite of spirit.



18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;

And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.



Ps 145: 14 - 16



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.



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.



)



b) Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your

city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.

(



Romans 12:4-8



4 (1Co 12:12-14)For just as we have many parts in one body,

and not all parts have the same function,

5(1Co 10:17; 12:20)so we, being many, are one body in Christ,

and all are parts of one another.

6(Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2)We have diverse gifts according to the grace that

is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;

7 (Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11)if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching;

8 (2Co 9:7; 1Co 12:28) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with

generosity; he who rules, with diligence;

he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.



4 For as we have many members in one body,

and all members have not the same office:

5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ,

and every one members one of another.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that

is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according

to the proportion of faith;

7 or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth,

on teaching;

8 or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let

him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence;

he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.



Col 3:17



17(1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20)And whatever you do in word or deed,

do all in the name

of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.



17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name

of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.



)



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.”



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 Day 7

Saturday, December 7

Redeemed and Transformed

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 food and the body than clothing?



[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?



Matthew 6:25



I had been anticipating a visit from one of the participants in a

Women’s Bible Study group all week. Finally, near the end of the

week, her knock on the door meant brief rest from the hustle and

bustle of Summer Bible Camp preparation and packing. As she

shared her story, it became clear that her life was full of struggles -

some familiar to all women, others unique to women in the North,

trying to balance her cultural heritage and living in a world

dominated by the interests of business and government.

A common thread in her stories was financial difficulties which often

impeded her ability to complete projects that were important to her.

Instead of focusing on the lack of resources she spoke with genuine

joy and deep gratitude about how God had provided exactly what she

needed in each instance. It became clear that the key to her dealing

with situations in the way that Jesus wanted her to, was to maintain

joy and thankfulness at God's presence and provision.

As we prepare for Advent and the coming of our Lord, I remember

that God has dealt with the circumstances of the world by sending

his Son to redeem and transform it. Thus I am free to approach each

situation with joy and gratitude, recognizing God’s provision even in

the busyness of life.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to redeem and

transform our lives. Thank you for calling us to trust in your

presence and provision in all circumstances. Amen.



Written by Rev. Lesley Hand, Ft. McMurray, AB, 2005

Former On Eagle’s Wings Executive Director



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray for discernment for the Devil wants to falsify

the Gospel.



Pray to the Lord: "Father, You know my weaknesses. Please give me

the strength to resist temptation and to walk with You,

in Your holy and life-giving ways."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know that He will uphold you

with His righteous right hand.



Pray to the Lord and pray to sow the Good Word in many and reap bountifully.



Pray to the Lord and pray foer the Lord to create in You a clean heart.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society

and be their help



Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your

city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.



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: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to redeem and

transform our lives. Thank you for calling us to trust in your

presence and provision in all circumstances. Amen.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.



Remember eternity starts now -

Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - Listen

**Review of "Listen"**



In *"Listen"*, the Twelfth Doctor embarks on an introspective journey to investigate a haunting question: What if no one is ever truly alone? The episode blends psychological tension with philosophical depth, delivering one of Doctor Who’s most thought-provoking entries. Writer Steven Moffat crafts a story that examines fear, memory, and the power of imagination, grounded by stellar performances from Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman.



The episode begins with the Doctor exploring the idea of an unseen entity that thrives on perfect hiding. His curiosity leads Clara on a journey through time and space, culminating in deeply personal revelations about both herself and the Doctor. Their interactions, layered with wit and vulnerability, anchor the narrative.



Moffat’s script plays with ambiguity, leaving viewers questioning whether the unseen threat exists or is simply a manifestation of fear. The tension peaks in key scenes, such as the chilling encounter at the orphanage and the quiet yet profound moment in the barn, which links to the Doctor’s origins.



The story’s exploration of fear as a shared human experience resonates strongly. Capaldi delivers a nuanced performance, portraying a Doctor as curious as he is unsettled. Coleman shines as Clara, whose grounding influence provides emotional resonance, especially as her actions shape the young Doctor's future.



Visually, the episode is atmospheric, utilizing shadows, silence, and eerie framing to create a sense of unease. Murray Gold’s haunting score amplifies the tension and emotional beats effectively.



However, some viewers may find the ambiguity unsatisfying or the pacing uneven in parts. The lack of a clear resolution might feel anticlimactic to those expecting a more traditional narrative.



**Final Rating: 95/100**

"Listen" is a masterful exploration of fear and identity, elevated by sharp writing and exceptional performances. Its introspective tone and ambiguous mystery make it a standout episode in Doctor Who’s modern era.