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From
On Eagle's Wings
Christmas Eve, December 24
He Pitched His Tent Among Us
Creator’s Word became a flesh-and-blood human being and pitched his
sacred tent among us, living as one of us.” John 1:14a (FNV)
14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory,
the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace
and truth.
It was early January in a small Arctic community. A group of adults
shuffled outside in the darkness, making their way through the snow and
bitter cold to the Catholic Mission House. It was the second day of a
Caring for the Wounded Heart Healing Group.
Stepping out of the biting wind, they pulled off mittens, hung up parkas,
and slipped off their sealskin winter boots. Their faces began to thaw,
meaning words could be formed again. One of the group posed a
question to the Facilitators.
"These 2.5 hour workshops are too short. Can we do 5 hours a day
instead? We really want to know all that Creator wants us to know about
our trauma and our healing."
Throughout the remaining sessions, the group shared deeply together.
They composed poems, wrote songs, acted in skits, and took part in other
exercises that helped identify, then express, the pain of their hearts.
A closing prayer was offered as the Healing Group concluded on the final
day, and people were free to leave. No one budged. For twenty minutes,
no one even uttered a sound. Finally, an Elder tentatively whispered,
"There is such a special presence here. We do not want to leave."
Creator's Word - Jesus himself - had pitched his sacred tent right there
in the room. And everyone knew it.
This group was reminded that Jesus is with us now, right here in our
midst. Perhaps you can sense him in this very moment. As you celebrate
his coming to dwell with us, may the eyes of your heart be opened to his
powerful presence - not just today - but throughout this next year. Merry
Christmas.
Written by Robin Abrol, Edmonton, Alberta, 2025
Executive Director, On Eagle's Wings
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for Him to come into the Chaos of your world.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, Your birth was revealed to the shepherds,
for You don't despise anyone, and You came to earth to love and save me."
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a selfless giver.
Pray to the Lord and pray not to be chiked ny the riches of this World.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek The Lord's Wisdom.
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 open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Society in your country.
Pray: Jesus, we glorify your breathtaking condescension! Amen.
Pray: Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can
conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? Amen.
Pray: Lord. Keep showing us how to be angels so that we can love and serve
you, on a "wing and a prayer" In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Jesus, thank you that you are genuinely present with us every day. May
we come to know the fullness of your presence like this small group in
the Arctic. May we experience Emmanuel, God with us, this special day
and throughout the year ahead. Amen.
Pray that Kazakh Christians will be equipped
to step boldly into leadership roles (Acts 13:47).
47 (Isa 49:6; Lk 2:32) For thus has the Lord commanded us:
'I have established you to be a light of the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'(Isa 42:6; 49:6.)"
[47] For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a
light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of
the earth.
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.
3) Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 4 - Giving and Receiving
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.
For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured
to you again.
"Just give the Lord", the voice on the radio declared. "Give, and he will
give back to you, a hundredfold." The preacher went on to explain how
an old woman on social security had sent her last $10 to support his
ministry, and the next day she got an anonymous money order for
a $1000 . "The Lord will be faithful to his Word," the preacher
concluded. "You give, and you'll receive."
The Lord is, of course, faithful to his Word. But many well-meaning Christians
have interpreted Luke 6:38 as a "payment in kind" bargain with God:
if I give God my dollar, he's obliged to return it to me with interest.
This "seed-sowing" fallacy, where $20 supposedly becomes $2000 by
an act of divine, multiplication, has caused much
disappointment and frustration.
The "giving and receiving" principle is a valid one; the Lord does, indeed say
"Give, and it will be given to you," but he does not specify what the "return"
will be. The verse appears in the context of forgiveness, of not judging; the
principle is not investment, in any material sense, but generosity.
As we give, as few are compassionate with others, we take on the
character of the Lord himself. He is generous and giving, and he gives
to us as we give ourselves in love to others.
Application
a) Have I ever "given" to God to others as a bribe, to get something
in return?
b) What is God's concept of giving, as demonstrated
in the gift of Jesus Christ?
c) How can this verse help me to give more selflessly?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:19
19 But the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the desires for other things entering in choke the word,
and it proves unfruitful.
19 and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word,
and it becometh unfruitful.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
James 1:2 to 8
Faith and Wisdom
2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience.
4 But let patience perfect its work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men
liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers
is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.
7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect
and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth
is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
Posted by DSY on
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 24 of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Canadian Society. (
Col 4:3
3 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,
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:
)
b) Pray for the Province of Saskatchewan
I) Pray for the leaders of Saskatchewan,
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
)
Christmas Eve
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Friday, Fourth Week of Advent
"Charity-giving to the poor-is an essential part of Christian morality....
I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the
only safe rule is to give more than we can spare," - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 86.)
Give Because God Gave
The best giving happened on the first Christmas, when God gave his Son.
He gave out of love to a world in need of love, but deserving none of it.
When John writes that "God is love" (1 John 4:8), he is saying that God
is a giver, who thinks outside of himself, selflessly taking care of the
needs of others. Mark wrote, "For even the Son of man did not come to be
served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many"
(Mark 10:45). That is true servanthood, suffering servanthood.
Financial guru and popular radio talk show host Dave Ramsey says that
Christians are closer to the nature of God when they give. "God so loved
the world that he gave," and we show our love for one another when we give.
Our motivation comes from the Gospel, which is the story of God's giving
his Son. "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
Loving and giving are bound together like two peas in a pod.
When we give, we often ask how much we should give. This is where Lewis helps
us, saying bluntly that giving is essential Christian morality. While he
admits that he can't specify how much we ought to give, he suggests that
comfortable giving is not the rule. Uncomfortable giving is. That is, we
should give more than we can spare. Then it is a sacrifice to give,
and that's how God gave. Sacrificially.
Give me a heart, Lord, that gives as you gave. Amen.
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.
John 3:16
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
CHRISTMAS EVE
Stratchy Straw
And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
-Luke 2:7
My favorite portrayal of Christ's birth took place in a congregation's
dramatisation of the event. A mentally handicapped child had been given
the part of the innkeeper because all he had to say was "No room!"
On Christmas Eve, he repeatedly shouted "No room!" as he had been
instructed, but when the couple turned away-she obviously expecting
soon-a tear splashed on the child's face, and abruptly he blurted,
"Wait! Come back! I'll find you a place."
We all want things to have been less complicated for Mary and her child.
Giving birth in a stable, with perhaps some strange attendants
(like an ox or a donkey, as some paintings of the Nativity depict),
couldn't have been easy, but perhaps this, too, should be understood
as part of the sufferings of Christ. A manger with abrasive hay must
not have been exceedingly comfortable. Chiefly, Christ gave up his home
with the Father to humble himself in becoming flesh.
As one pastor said in a sermon forty years ago,
"Imagine if the shoemaker would become a shoe!"
prayer
Jesus, we glorify your breathtaking condescension! Amen.
Read Luke 2:1-14.
Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
Mt 1:18-25
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.
10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.
11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day
in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:
You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company
of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, and good will toward men."
From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ANGELS!
The angel said to them, "But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. " LUKE 2:10
The AH-HAs of angels are all around us--not just at Christmas, but always
Who has been an angel to you lately? Who has brought you the good
news of Jesus' love through winsome words. assuring smiles. holy hugs?
And who have you been an angel to lately? With whom have you shared
the "Don't be afraid!" messaged Remember hearing from your mom or
dad the comforting words of "Don't be afraid"? They were not words of
judgment or despair but rather words of comfort and hope. And that's
what angels do, whether they have wings or not.
A little girl was so proud to be picked to be the Christmas angelic the
Christmas pageant. She repeated today's lesson from Luke 2 over and
over and over. But during the worship service, as she proudly started to
wiggle her wings above the holy cardboard box (aka. manger), she saw
her family and friends watching her and sine suddenly forgot the lines.
Yet. even though she couldn't recall the words. she did remember
the message. As she boldly kept fluttering about, she shouted out.
"Wow. do I have good news for you!"
That's what angels do. They did it in the shepherds' field of Bethlehem.
and they continue to share the good news of Christ's love and forgiveness
in Boston, Bloomingdale and Birmingham. Angels cannot undo the UH-OHs
of our lives, but they can point us to the One who brings us to his
embrace of grace.
"Don't be afraid," we say to each other: the AH-HA of Christmas has arrived!
Lord. Keep showing us how to be angels so that we can love and serve
you, on a "wing and a prayer" In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Luke 2:8-14
8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.
10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.
11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day
in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:
You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company
of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, and good will toward men."
Posted by DSY on
Luke 2:1-38
The Birth of Jesus
Mt 1:18-25
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
[2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
[3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
[4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into
Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was
of the house and lineage of David:)
[5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished
that she should be delivered.
[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling
clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the
inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.
10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.
11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day
in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:
You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company
of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, and good will toward men."
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said
to each other, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see what has happened,
which the Lord has made known to us."
16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,
and the Baby lying in a manger.
17 When they had seen Him, they made widely known the word
which was told them concerning this Child.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at what the shepherds told them.
19 (Lk 2:51; Ge 37:11) But Mary kept all these things and pondered them
in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
[9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord
shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is
Christ the Lord.
[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying,
[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
[15] And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into
heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto
Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath
made known unto us.
[16] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe
lying in a manger.
[17] And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was
told them concerning this child.
[18] And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told
them by the shepherds.
[19] But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
[20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the
things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
21 (Lk 1:31; 1:59) When eight days had passed and the Child was circumcised,
He was named JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived
in the womb.
22 When the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses
were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
23 (Ex 13:2; Nu 3:13)(as it is written in the law of the Lord,
"Every firstborn male shall be called holy to the Lord"
Ex 13:2, 12; Nu 3:13; 8:17.)
24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord,
"a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Lev 5:11; 12:8.
25 (Lk 1:6; 2:38) Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon,
and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 (Jn 8:51; Heb 11:5) It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 (Lk 2:41; 2:48) Led by the Spirit, he came into the temple. And when
the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according
to the custom of the law,
28 (Lk 1:64) he received Him in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 (Ge 15:15; Lk 2:26) "Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace,
according to Your word;
30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 which You have prepared in the sight of all people,
32 (Isa 49:6; 9:2; 60:19) a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of Your people Israel."
33 Joseph and His mother were amazed at those things which were spoken
about Him.
34 (1Co 1:23; Mt 21:44; Ac 28:22) Then Simeon blessed them
and said to Mary His mother, "Listen, this Child is destined to cause the fall
and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign which will be spoken against,
35 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
And a sword will pierce through your own soul also."
36 (Ac 21:9; Ex 15:20) And there was Anna a prophetess, a daughter of Phanuel,
of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age and had lived
with her husband seven years from her virginity.
37 (1Ti 5:5; Ac 14:23) And she was a widow of about 84 years of age
who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting
and prayer night and day.
38 (Lk 2:25; 1:68) Coming at that moment she gave thanks to the Lord
and spoke of Him to all those who looked for the redemption of Jerusalem.
[21] And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the
child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he
was conceived in the womb.
[22] And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses
were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the
Lord;
[23] (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the
womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
[24] And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of
the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
[25] And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and
the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and
the Holy Ghost was upon him.
[26] And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see
death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
[27] And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought
in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
[28] Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
[29] Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy
word:
[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
[31] Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
[32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
[33] And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken
of him.
[34] And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this
child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign
which shall be spoken against;
[35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the
thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
[36] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the
tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven
years from her virginity;
[37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed
not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
[38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and
spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Matthew 2
The Visit of the Wise Men
1 (Lk 2:4-7; Mic 5:2) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea
in the days of Herod the king, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem,
2 (Nu 24:17; Jer 23:5; Zec 9:9) saying, "Where is He who was born King
of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come
to worship Him."
3 When Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people
together, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.
5 (Ge 35:19) They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is
what the prophet wrote:
6 (Mic 5:2; Jn 7:42) 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are no longer least among the princes of Judah;
for out of you shall come a Governor,
who will shepherd My people Israel.'[Ps 91:11-12.]"
7 Then Herod, when he had privately called the wise men,
carefully inquired of them what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said,
"Go and search diligently for the young Child, and when you have found Him,
bring me word again, so that I may come and worship Him also."
9 When they heard the king, they departed. And the star which they saw
in the east went before them until it came and stood over where the young
Child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great excitement.
11 (Ps 72:10; Mt 14:33) And when they came into the house,
they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and fell down
and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures,
they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 (Mt 2:22; 27:19) But being warned in a dream that they should
not return to Herod, they returned to their own country
by another route.
[1] Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the
king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
[2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his
star in the east, and are come to worship him.
[3] When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him.
[4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people
together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
[5] And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written
by the prophet,
[6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the
princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my
people Israel.
[7] Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them
diligently what time the star appeared.
[8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for
the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may
come and worship him also.
[9] When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which
they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where
the young child was.
[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
[11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with
Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened
their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and
myrrh.
[12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to
Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Posted by DSY on
Matthew 2
The Escape to Egypt
13 (Ac 5:19; Mt 1:20) Now when they departed, the angel of the Lord
appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying,
"Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and escape to Egypt,
and stay there until I bring you word.
For Herod will seek the young Child to kill Him."
14 When he rose, he took the young Child and His mother by night,
and departed into Egypt,
15 (Hos 11:1; Ex 4:22) and remained there until the death of Herod,
to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet,
"Out of Egypt I have called My Son."
A talent was worth several hundred pounds.
[13] And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to
Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother,
and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod
will seek the young child to destroy him.
[14] When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and
departed into Egypt:
[15] And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I
called my son.
The Killing of the Infants
16 (Isa 59:7) Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked
by the wise men, was utterly furious and sent forth and killed
all the male children who were in Bethlehem and the surrounding region,
from two years old and under, based on the time which he had diligently
inquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet:
18 (Jer 31:15; Ge 42:36) "In Ramah a voice was heard,
grieving and weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be comforted,
because they are no more."[-21 Isa 42:1-4].
[16] Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was
exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in
Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under,
according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
[17] Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
[18] In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great
mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted,
because they are not.
The Return From Egypt
19 (Mt 1:20) But when Herod was dead, an angel of the Lord appeared
in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20 (Ex 4:19) saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother,
and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought
the young Child's life are dead."
21 And he rose, took the young Child and His mother,
and came into the land of Israel.
22 (Lk 2:39) But when he heard that Archelaus reigned in Judea
instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Nevertheless,
being warned by God in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee.
23 (Jn 1:45-46; Jdg 13:5) And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth,
that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled,
"He shall be called a Nazarene."
[19] But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a
dream to Joseph in Egypt,
[20] Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the
land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
[21] And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into
the land of Israel.
[22] But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his
father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of
God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
[23] And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be
fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Luke 2:39-52
The Return to Nazareth
39 (Lk 2:4) When they had performed everything according to the law
of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.
40 (Lk 2:52; 1:80) And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,
filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was upon Him.
[39] And when they had performed all things according to the law of the
Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
[40] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and
the grace of God was upon him.
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41 (Dt 16:1-8; 1Sa 1:3) Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year
at the Feast of the Passover.
42 When He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according
to the custom of the feast.
43 When the days of the feast were complete, as they returned,
the Child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem.
And Joseph and His mother did not know of it.
44 But supposing Him to be in their company, they went a day's journey.
Then they searched for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for Him.
46 (Lk 5:17) After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting
in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
47 (Mt 7:28; Mk 1:22) All who heard Him were astonished
at His understanding and His answers.
48 When they saw Him, they were amazed. And His mother said to Him,
"Son, why have You dealt with us like this?
Look, Your father and I have anxiously searched for You."
49 (Jn 4:34) He said to them, "How is it that you searched for Me? Did you
not know that I must be about My Father's business?"
50 (Lk 18:34; Mk 9:32) But they did not understand the word which
He spoke to them.
51 (Lk 2:19; Mk 6:3) Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth
and was obedient to them. But His mother kept all these words in her heart.
52 (1Sa 2:26; Lk 2:40) And Jesus increased in wisdom
and in stature and in favor with God and men.
[41] Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the
passover.
[42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the
custom of the feast.
[43] And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus
tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
[44] But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's
journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
[45] And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem,
seeking him.
[46] And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the
temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking
them questions.
[47] And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and
answers.
[48] And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him,
Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought
thee sorrowing.
[49] And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I
must be about my Father's business?
[50] And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
[51] And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto
them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
[52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and
man.
2) Our Daily Bread for 24 December 2025 titled
From Fright to Delight by Amy Boucher Pye
Luke 2:8-14
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.
10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.
11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day
in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:
You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company
of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, and good will toward men."
[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
[9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord
shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is
Christ the Lord.
[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying,
[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Many historians believe the first-ever radio broadcast of music and speech was
heard by radio operators on US Navy and other ships in the Atlantic
on Christmas Eve, 1906. Instead of the usual beeps and pulses to transmit
codes, they listened to Reginald Fessenden play a violin solo of the Christmas
carol "O, Holy Night." Fessenden closed his broadcast by echoing the angels'
praise: "Glory to God in the highest heaven!" (Luke 2:14).
The listeners must have been startled by the evocative music
and statement of praise over the birth of Jesus.
The first people surprised by Jesus' birth were the shepherds who'd
been keeping to their usual business of watching their sheep
at night (Luke 2:8). Then an angel appeared, shining with the glory of God
and giving the shepherds a fright (v. 9). The angel urged them not to be
afraid and declared: "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all
the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is
the Messiah, the Lord" (vv. 10-11). The shepherds left their sheep to
investigate the angel's words and found the baby lying in a manger,
just as they had been told (vv. 16, 20).
The shepherds accepted this good news of great joy.
May we too rejoice and share the wonders of Jesus' birth and life.
Reflect & Pray
How do you think you would have reacted to the news the angel proclaimed?
Why do you think God chose to reveal His Son’s birth to them?
Dear Jesus, Your birth was revealed to the shepherds,
for You don't despise anyone, and You came to earth to love and save me.
Discover more about the Christmas story.
Luke 1:39-80
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,
to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
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.
[39] And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with
haste, into a city of Juda;
[40] And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
[41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary,
the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
[42] And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among
women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
[43] And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
[44] For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears,
the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
[45] And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of
those things which were told her from the Lord.
[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
[47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
[48] For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold,
from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
[49] For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his
name.
[50] And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
[51] He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in
the imagination of their hearts.
[52] He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low
degree.
[53] He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent
empty away.
[54] He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
[55] As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
[56] And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own
house.
The Birth of John the Baptist
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.
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child.
And they were calling him Zechariah, after the name of his father.
60 But his mother answered, “Not so! He shall be called John.”
61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives
who is called by this name."
62 They made signs to his father, asking what he would have him called.
63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
And they all were amazed.
64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed,
and he spoke and praised God.
65 Fear came on all who lived around them. And all these facts
were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66 All those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying,
"What kind of child will he be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
[57] Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she
brought forth a son.
[58] And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great
mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
[59] And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the
child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
[60] And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
[61] And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by
this name.
[62] And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
[63] And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John.
And they marvelled all.
[64] And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he
spake, and praised God.
[65] And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings
were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
[66] And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What
manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
The Prophecy of Zechariah
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied, saying,
68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for He has visited and redeemed His people,
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of His servant David,
70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets of long ago,
71 that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us,
72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember His holy covenant,
73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham,
74 to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,
might serve Him without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people
by the remission of their sins,
78 through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he remained in the wilderness until the day of his appearance to Israel.
[67] And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and
prophesied, saying,
[68] Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his
people,
[69] And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his
servant David;
[70] As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since
the world began:
[71] That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that
hate us;
[72] To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy
covenant;
[73] The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
[74] That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of
our enemies might serve him without fear,
[75] In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
[76] And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou
shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
[77] To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of
their sins,
[78] Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high
hath visited us,
[79] To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.
[80] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts
till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Matthew 1:18-25
The Birth of Jesus Christ
Lk 2:1-7
18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:
After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.
19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man
and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce
her privately.
20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord
had spoken through the prophet, saying,
23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6-7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,
and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"
[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."
24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord
had commanded him, and remained with his wife,
25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth
to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary
was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child
of the Holy Ghost.
[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her
a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
[20] But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord
appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to
take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the
Holy Ghost.
[21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins.
[22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of
the Lord by the prophet, saying,
[23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and
they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
[24] Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had
bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
[25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he
called his name JESUS.
Posted by DSY on
Matthew 1:1-17
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Lk 3:23-38
1 (Ge 22:18; Isa 11:1; Ro 1:3) The book of the genealogy
of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham:
2 (Ge 25:26; Ac 7:8) Abraham was the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.
3 (Ge 46:12; 38:29-30) Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar,
Perez the father of Hezron,
and Hezron the father of Ram.
4 Ram was the father of Amminadab,
Amminadab the father of Nahshon,
and Nahshon the father of Salmon.
5 (Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25) Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth,
and Obed the father of Jesse.
6 (1Sa 16:1; 17:12) Jesse was the father of David the king.
David the king was the father of Solomon,
by her who had been the wife of Uriah.
7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
and Abijah the father of Asa.
8 (1Ch 3:11) Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,
and Joram the father of Uzziah.
9 Uzziah was the father of Jotham,
Jotham the father of Ahaz,
and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.
10 Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amon,
and Amon the father of Josiah.
11 (Jer 27:20; Da 1:2) Josiah was the father of Jeconiah
and his brothers about the time they were exiled to Babylon.
12 (1Ch 3:17; Ezr 3:2) And after they were brought to Babylon,
Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,
and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel.
13 Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud,
Abiud the father of Eliakim,
and Eliakim the father of Azor.
14 Azor was the father of Zadok,
Zadok the father of Akim,
and Akim the father of Eliud.
15 Eliud was the father of Eleazar,
Eleazar the father of Matthan,
and Matthan the father of Jacob.
16 (Mt 27:17; Lk 3:23) And Jacob was the father of Joseph,
the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations,
from David until the exile to Babylon are fourteen generations,
and from the exile in Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations.
[1] The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the
son of Abraham.
[2] Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas
and his brethren;
[3] And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom;
and Esrom begat Aram;
[4] And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson
begat Salmon;
[5] And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and
Obed begat Jesse;
[6] And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of
her that had been the wife of Urias;
[7] And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
[8] And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
[9] And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat
Ezekias;
[10] And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat
Josias;
[11] And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they
were carried away to Babylon:
[12] And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel;
and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
[13] And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim
begat Azor;
[14] And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
[15] And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat
Jacob;
[16] And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who
is called Christ.
[17] So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations;
and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen
generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are
fourteen generations.
Luke 1:5-38
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest
named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And his wife was
of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
6 They were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments
and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.
7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren,
and they both were now well advanced in years.
8 Now while he served as priest before God, when his division was on duty,
9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side
of the altar of incense.
12 When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not fear, Zechariah, for your prayer
has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you shall call his name John.
14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink
neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,
even from his mother's womb.
16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready
a people prepared for the Lord."
18 Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this?
For I am an old man and my wife well advanced in years."
19 The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God.
And I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
20 And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day
that these things happen, because you did not believe my words,
which will be fulfilled in their season."
21 The people waited for Zechariah, and wondered why he waited
so long in the temple.
22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived
that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he made signs to them
and remained speechless.
23 As soon as the days of his service were fulfilled,
he departed to his own home.
24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months
she hid herself, saying,
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men."
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favuored.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.
And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible."
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according
to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
[5] There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest
named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of
Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
[6] And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments
and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
[7] And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both
were now well stricken in years.
[8] And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before
God in the order of his course,
[9] According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
[10] And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time
of incense.
[11] And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right
side of the altar of incense.
[12] And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
[13] But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is
heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his
name John.
[14] And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his
birth.
[15] For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither
wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from
his mother's womb.
[16] And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
[17] And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn
the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom
of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
[18] And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am
an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
[19] And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the
presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad
tidings.
[20] And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day
that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words,
which shall be fulfilled in their season.
[21] And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so
long in the temple.
[22] And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived
that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and
remained speechless.
[23] And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were
accomplished, he departed to his own house.
[24] And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five
months, saying,
[25] Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men.
[26] And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city
of Galilee, named Nazareth,
[27] To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of
David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
[28] And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly
favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
[29] And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her
mind what manner of salutation this should be.
[30] And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour
with God.
[31] And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son,
and shalt call his name JESUS.
[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the
Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
[33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom
there shall be no end.
[34] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a
man?
[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come
upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore
also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of
God.
[36] And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her
old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
[37] For with God nothing shall be impossible.
[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according
to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Posted by DSY on
Day 358, 24 December 2024 - Chistmas Eve
At
Cavlary Community Church
Pastor Barry Regier Addresses Joy in the Midst of Chaos.
Zoom Out for a moment to the historical context
I) Joy shines in the darkeness
Luke 1:14
14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
[14] And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his
birth.
After 400 years God breaks the silence with a message of joy and gladness.
Jonh 1:5
5 The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
II) Think of Mary ... joy rises in uncertainty.
Luke 1:46-47
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
[47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Joy and courage!
III) Joy also shows up in tiredness and exhaustion
Joseph and a very pregnant Mary traveling from Nazareth to Jerusalem.
IV) Even Joseph ...
Joy wins in the midst of disillusionmant.
V) That the shepherds ... joy breaks into fear.
Luke 2:9-10
9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.
10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.
[9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord
shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Joy invades fear!
VI) What about the Magi .. joy show up on the journey!
Matthew 2:9b-10
9 ... And the star which they saw
in the east went before them until it came and stood over where the young
Child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great excitement.
[9] ... and, lo, the star, which
they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where
the young child was.
[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Invite Christ into the chaos of your life.
John 14:6
6 (Jn 10:9; 1:14; Ac 4:12) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
[6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Colossians 1:15-21
The Person and Work of Christ
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
[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
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me and Rest
28 (Jn 7:37; 6:37) "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened,
and I will give you rest.
29 (Jer 6:16; Jn 13:15) Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.
For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
[Jer 6:16. ]
30 (1Jn 5:3) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
[28] Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.
[29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
[30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
1) Jesus Christ coming onto the world as a baby
Mark 1:1
1 (Mt 14:33) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
[1] The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
Luke 1:1-4
The Prologue
1 Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things
which are most surely believed among us,
2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning
were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,
3 it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things
from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account,
most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.
[1] Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration
of those things which are most surely believed among us,
[2] Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were
eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
[3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all
things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent
Theophilus,
[4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast
been instructed.
John 1:1-18
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing
was created that was created.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.
5 The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John.
7 This man came as a witness in order to testify concerning the Light,
that all men through Him might believe.
8 He was not this Light, but was sent in order to testify
concerning the Light.
9 The true Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was created through Him,
yet the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.
12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name,
13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory,
the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, "This was He of whom I said,
'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' "
16 We have all received from His fullness grace upon grace.
17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came
through Jesus Christ.
18 No one has seen God at any time. The only Son, who is at the Father's side,
has made Him known.
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made
that was made.
[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
[6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all
men through him might believe.
[8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into
the world.
[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world
knew him not.
[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
[12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
the will of man, but of God.
[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace
and truth.
[15] John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I
spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
[16] And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
[17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus
Christ.
[18] No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in
the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 23 of the Month
a) Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
b) Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
(
John 13:34-35
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,
even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another."
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.
Rom 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another with brotherly love; prefer one another in honour
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another;
Heb 10:24
24 And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works.
24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
1 Peter 3:8
8 Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious,
and be kind.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
1 John 3:23
23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name
of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name
of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
)
From
On Eagle's Wings
Holy Ground
Exodus 3:5b
"Remove your sandals from off your feet,
for the place on which you are standing is holy ground."
put off thy shoes from off thy feet,
for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
“I'm ticklish!” squealed a girl in Baker Lake one Sunday morning
during Sunday school.
We had all taken off our boots and socks, carefully tracing each
other's feet onto colouring paper. Later, we filled our footsteps
with bright colours - even a bit of glitter.
That day's lesson was about holy ground. We discovered that
holiness isn't only found in a church building, but everywhere God’s
presence dwells - in our Sunday school room, our homes, the land
around us, even the ice rink.
Why? Because God is in all of us. He is with us, in us, and around us.
He is revealed in nature, in the people we meet, and in every corner
of creation.
Jesus came eating and drinking, loved the birds and the flowers,
blessed little children, and sat at the table with tax collectors,
sinners, and the poor - as well as the rich. With Jesus, we rejoice in
this world, its beauty, and all living creatures, for he called nothing
common or unclean.
As a joyful reminder, our colourful footsteps were taped above the
doorway, right under the sign that read, "You are standing on holy
ground."
Isabelle Solberg
Community Partner & Caring for the Wounded Heart Facilitator
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to endure in Faith.
Pray to the Lord: "I praise You, Father,
that no human is above or beneath me."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He is the provider of needs.
Pray to the Lord and pray to persisently seek Him in Faith.
Pray to seek him consistently and persisently.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
Dear Lord, Creator of all, you are revealed in the bold aurora above
us, the ground below us, and the Spirit within us. As we walk this
earth, help us remember that every step we take is upon holy
ground. Amen.
Pray for discipleship efforts that are fostering
spiritual maturity among Kuwaiti believers.
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.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 3 - All I need
Phil 4:19
19 But my God shall supply your every need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according
to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
"But Mom, I really need these!" The strident voice of a teenage girl
rose above the hum of voices in the department store. The item in question
was a pair of $80 blue Jeans, faded, bleached, and torn in the right knee.
Style . Fashion. Self-Image. The girl may not have needed the jeans to
enhance her wardrobe, but she obviously felt she needed then to
enhance her acceptability among her peers.
Phillippains 4:19 promises that God "shall supply your every need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." But just what needs does this
promise cover? My need for a bigger house? A better job?
An $80 pair of Calvin Kleins?
Certainly God knows and cares about the physical, superficial need of our
lives, and he provides what we need to sustain life. But God's priority
goes much deeper than the kind of radial tires we buy or the brand name on
our back pockets. God is interested in eternal values, in spiritual needs, and
he knows what we need in our lives to draw us closer to him.
"Out of his glorious riches in Christ Jesus," God will enrich us spiritually.
The application of Phil 4:19 involves trusting God to know and care about our
real needs, the deep needs of our souls, and allowing him the freedom to
order our circumstances so that those needs are met. When we are bold
enough to pray, "Lord, do whatever is necessary to make me more like
Jesus Christ," our Father delights to answer that prayer and supply our needs.
Application
a) What is the difference between my "Needs" and my "wants"?
b) What spiritual needs can I identify in my life?
c) How can this verse help me keep my own priorities
in line with God's value system?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Hebr 11:6
6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,
for he who comes to God must believe that He exists
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh
to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek him.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Matt 7:7-11
Ask, Seek, Knock
Lk 11:9-13
7(Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and it will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds,
and to him who knocks, it will be opened.
9 "What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread,
will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake?
11 (Ge 6:5; 8:21) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts
to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give
good things to those who ask Him!
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock,
and it shall be opened unto you:
8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth;
and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread,
will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children,
how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things
to them that ask him?
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
Posted by DSY on
Revelation 22
1 (Zec 14:8; Rev 7:17) Then he showed me a pure river of the water of life,
clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2 (Rev 2:7; Ge 2:9) in the middle of its street. On each side of the river
was the tree of life, which bore twelve kinds of fruit,
yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were
for the healing of the nations.
3 (Zec 14:11; Ps 17:15) There shall be no more curse. The throne of God
and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
4 (Mt 5:8; Rev 14:1) They shall see His face, and His name shall
be on their foreheads.
5 (Da 7:27; 7:18) Night shall be no more. They need no lamp
nor the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.
And they shall reign forever and ever.
[1] And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal,
proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
[2] In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was
there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her
fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the
nations.
[3] And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb
shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
[4] And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
[5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither
light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign
for ever and ever.
The Coming of Christ
6 (Rev 1:1; 21:5; 19:9) The angel said to me, "These words are faithful
and true. The Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show
to His servants the things which must soon take place."
7 (Rev 1:3; 3:11; 22:12) "Look, I am coming soon. Blessed is he who keeps
the words of the prophecy of this book."
8 (Rev 19:10; 1:1) I, John, am he who saw and heard these things.
When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel
who showed me these things.
9 (Rev 19:10) But he said to me, "See that you not do that.
For I am your fellow servant, and of your brothers the prophets,
and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"
10 (Rev 10:4; Da 8:26) Then he said to me, "Do not seal the words
of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
11 (Eze 3:27; Da 12:10) He who is unjust, let him be unjust still.
He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous,
let him be righteous still. He who is holy, let him be holy still."
12 (Isa 40:10; Rev 22:7) "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me
to give to each one according to his work.
13 (Rev 1:8; 21:6; 1:17) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning
and the End, the First and the Last."
14 (Rev 21:27; 22:2) Blessed are those who do His commandments,
that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter
through the gates into the city.
15 (Rev 21:8; Gal 5:19-21; Php 3:2) Outside are dogs and sorcerers
and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters
and everyone who loves and practices a lie.
16 (Rev 1:1; 5:5; Mt 2:2) "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to you
with this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring
of David, the Bright and Morning Star."
(The Bright and Morning Star, esp The Morning Star is not fallen)
17 (Rev 21:6; Isa 2:5) The Spirit and the bride say, "Come."
Let him who hears say, "Come." Let him who is thirsty come.
Let him who desires take the water of life freely.
18 (Dt 4:2; Pr 30:6) I testify to everyone who hears the words
of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things,
God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book.
19 (Rev 22:2; 13:8) And if anyone takes away from the words
of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part
out of the Book of Life and out of the Holy City
and out of the things which are written in this book.
20 (Rev 22:7; 1Co 16:22) He who testifies to these things says,
"Surely I am coming soon."
Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!
21 (Ro 16:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
[6] And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord
God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things
which must shortly be done.
[7] Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the
prophecy of this book.
[8] And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and
seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me
these things.
[9] Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant,
and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this
book: worship God.
[10] And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this
book: for the time is at hand.
[11] He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let
him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still:
and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
[12] And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every
man according as his work shall be.
[13] I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the
last.
[14] Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to
the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
[15] For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers,
and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
[16] I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the
churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and
morning star.
[17] And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say,
Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the
water of life freely.
[18] For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of
this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him
the plagues that are written in this book:
[19] And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this
prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of
the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
[20] He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
2) Our Daily Bread for 23 December 2025 Titled
No Favoritism by Mike Wittmer
James 2:1-4, 8-13
Warning Against Partiality
1 (1Co 2:8; Lev 19:15) My brothers, have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Lord of glory, without partiality.
2 For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your assembly,
and also a poor man in ragged clothing comes in,
3 and you have respect for him who wears the fine clothing and say to him,
"Sit here in a good place," and say to the poor, "Stand there,"
or "Sit here under my footstool,"
4 (Jn 7:24) have you not then become partial among yourselves
and become judges with evil thoughts?
8 (Lev 19:18) If you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself,"(Lev 19:18.) you are doing well.
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted
by the law as sinners.
10 (Gal 3:10) For whoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend
in one point is guilty of breaking the whole law.
11 (Ex 20:13-14; Dt 5:17-18) For He who said,
"Do not commit adultery,"(Ex 20:14; Dt 5:18.)
also said, "Do not kill."(Ex 20:13; Dt 5:17.)
Now if you do not commit adultery, yet you kill,
you have become a lawbreaker.
12 (Jas 1:25) So speak and so do as those who will be judged
by the law of liberty.
13 (Pr 21:13; Mt 5:7) For he who has shown no mercy will
have judgment without mercy, for mercy triumphs over judgment.
[1] My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons.
[2] For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly
apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
[3] And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto
him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there,
or sit here under my footstool:
[4] Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil
thoughts?
[8] If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
[9] But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of
the law as transgressors.
[10] For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he
is guilty of all.
[11] For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now
if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor
of the law.
[12] So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of
liberty.
[13] For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy;
and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant was stopped for recklessly driving his
carriage through Washington DC. One published account says that the officer,
an African American named William West, warned Grant, "Your fast driving,
sir . . . is endangering the lives of the people who have
to cross the street." Grant apologised, but the next night he was racing
carriages again. West stopped Grant's horses. "I am very sorry, Mr. President,
to have to do it, for you are the chief of the nation and I am nothing
but a policeman, but duty is duty." West arrested the president.
I admire this brave man for doing his duty. So did Grant. He praised West
and made sure he kept his job. God also was pleased, for He hates
the injustice of favoritism. James wrote,
"Believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism"
(James 2:1). That includes not giving special favors to the rich and powerful,
leaving only leftovers for the poor (vv. 2-4). Instead, we're called to love
our neighbour as ourselves (v.
. If we play favourites, serving our platinum
club neighbours rather than the less privileged,
we "sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers" (v. 9).
God didn't play favorites with us. He loved us when we had nothing to offer,
when we were "without hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12).
With His help, we can love all people equally.
Reflect & Pray
Why is favoritism such a harmful thing? How might you avoid playing favorites?
I praise You, Father, that no human is above or beneath me.
Discover more through Hearing God Through the Christmas Story reading plan.
Revelation 20
The Great White Throne Judgment
11 (Da 2:35; Rev 12:8) Then I saw a great white throne
and Him who was seated on it. From His face the earth
and the heavens fled away, and no place was found for them.
12 (Da 7:10; Mt 16:27) And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before
God. Books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the Book
of Life. The dead were judged according to their works as recorded
in the books.
13 (Rev 6:8; 20:12) The sea gave up the dead who were in it,
and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them.
And they were judged, each one by his works.
14 (1Co 15:26; Rev 20:6) Then Death and Hades were cast into
the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 (Mt 25:41; Mk 9:43-48) Anyone whose name was not found written
in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
[11] And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face
the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
[12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books
were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the
dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books,
according to their works.
[13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell
delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man
according to their works.
[14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second
death.
[15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into
the lake of fire.
Revelation 21
The New Heaven and the New Earth
1 (Isa 66:22; 2Pe 3:13) Then I saw "a new heaven and a new earth."(Isa 65:17.)
For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no
more sea.
2 (Heb 11:10; Rev 3:12) I, John, saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned
for her husband.
3 (2Co 6:16; Rev 7:15) And I heard a loud voice from heaven, saying,
"Look! The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them.
They shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them
and be their God.
4 (Isa 25:8; 35:10; 1Co 15:26) 'God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
There shall be no more death.'(Isa 25:8.) Neither shall there be any more
sorrow nor crying nor pain, for the former things have passed away."
5 (Rev 4:9; 20:11) He who was seated on the throne said,
"Look! I am making all things new." Then He said to me,
"Write, for these words are faithful and true."
6 (Rev 1:8; 22:13; Jn 4:10) He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha
and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the spring
of the water of life to him who thirsts.
7 (Rev 21:3; Mt 25:34) He who overcomes shall inherit all things,
and I will be his God and he shall be My son. (2Sa 7:14; Ps 89:26.)
8 (Rev 19:20; Gal 5:19-21) But the cowardly, the unbelieving,
the abominable, the murderers, the sexually immoral, the sorcerers,
the idolaters, and all liars shall have their portion
in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. This is the second death."
[1] And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the
first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
[2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
[3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle
of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his
people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
[4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more
pain: for the former things are passed away.
[5] And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And
he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
[6] And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water
of life freely.
[7] He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and
he shall be my son.
[8] But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second
death.
The New Jerusalem
9 (Rev 19:7; 21:2) One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full
of the seven last plagues came to me and said to me,
"Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb."
10 (Rev 17:3; 1:10) And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great
and high mountain, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, descending
out of heaven from God,
11 (Rev 4:6; 22:5) having the glory of God, her light like a most
precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
12 (Eze 48:31-34; Rev 21:25) It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates,
and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve
tribes of the sons of Israel were written:
13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates
on the south, and three gates on the west.
14 (Heb 11:10; Mt 16:18) The wall of the city had twelve foundations,
and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 He who talked with me had a golden rod to measure the city
and its gates and wall. 16The city lies as a square,
its length as long as its width. He measured the city with the rod:
one thousand four hundred miles.(Gk. 12,000 stadia, or 2,200 kilometers.)
Its length and breadth and height are equal.
17 He then measured its wall: two hundred feet(144 cubits, or 65 meters.)
by the measurement of a man, that is, of an angel.
18 (Rev 21:11; 21:21) The wall was built of jasper and the city was pure gold,
as clear as glass.
19 (Isa 54:11-12) The foundations of the wall of the city were garnished
with all kinds of precious jewels. The first foundation was jasper;
the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;
20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite;
the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase;
the eleventh, jacinth; and the twelfth, amethyst.
21 (Rev 21:18; 17:4; 22:2) The twelve gates were twelve pearls,
each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city
was pure gold, transparent as glass.
22 (Jn 4:23; Rev 1:8) I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty
and the Lamb are its temple.
23 (Rev 21:11; Isa 60:19-20; Rev 22:5) The city has no need of sun
or moon to shine in it, for the glory of God is its light,
and its lamp is the Lamb.
24 (Rev 22:2) And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light,
and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honour into it.
25 (Isa 60:11; Zec 14:7) Its gates shall never be shut by day, for there
shall be no night there. 26They shall bring into it the glory and the honor
of the nations.
27 (Isa 52:1; Joel 3:17) No unclean thing shall ever enter it, nor shall anyone
who commits abomination or falsehood, but only those whose names are written
in the Lamb's Book of Life.
[9] And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials
full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I
will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
[10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and
shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from
God,
[11] Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most
precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
[12] And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates
twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve
tribes of the children of Israel:
[13] On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three
gates; and on the west three gates.
[14] And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names
of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
[15] And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and
the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
[16] And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the
breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs.
The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
[17] And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits,
according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
[18] And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure
gold, like unto clear glass.
[19] And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all
manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second,
sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
[20] The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the
eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh,
a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
[21] And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one
pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent
glass.
[22] And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are
the temple of it.
[23] And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in
it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
[24] And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it:
and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
[25] And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be
no night there.
[26] And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
[27] And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth,
neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are
written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 22
1 (Zec 14:8; Rev 7:17) Then he showed me a pure river of the water of life,
clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2 (Rev 2:7; Ge 2:9) in the middle of its street. On each side of the river
was the tree of life, which bore twelve kinds of fruit,
yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were
for the healing of the nations.
3 (Zec 14:11; Ps 17:15) There shall be no more curse. The throne of God
and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
4 (Mt 5:8; Rev 14:1) They shall see His face, and His name shall
be on their foreheads.
5 (Da 7:27; 7:18) Night shall be no more. They need no lamp
nor the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.
And they shall reign forever and ever.
[1] And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal,
proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
[2] In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was
there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her
fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the
nations.
[3] And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb
shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
[4] And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
[5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither
light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign
for ever and ever.
Posted by DSY on
Day 357, 23 December 2025
1)Revelation 19,20 ,21, 22
Revelation 19 - 22
Revelation 19
1 (Rev 11:15; 19:6; 12:10) After these things I heard a great sound
of many people in heaven, shouting:
"Alleluia!
Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!
2 (Dt 32:43; Rev 6:10) For true and righteous are His judgments,
because He has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality;
and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants.-
3 (Isa 34:10; Rev 14:11) Again they said:
"Alleluia!
Her smoke rises forever and ever."
4 (Rev 5:14; Ps 106:48) The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures
fell down and worshipped God who sat on the throne, saying:
"Amen! Alleluia!"
[1] And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven,
saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord
our God:
[2] For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great
whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged
the blood of his servants at her hand.
[3] And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
[4] And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and
worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
5 (Ps 134:1; 135:1) Then a voice came from the throne, saying:
"Praise our God,
all you His servants
and those who fear Him,
both small and great!"
6 (Rev 14:2; Ps 97:1) Then I heard something like the sound like a great
multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings,
saying:
"Alleluia!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!
7 (Mt 22:2; Eph 5:32) Let us be glad and rejoice
and give Him glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and His wife has made herself ready.
8 (Ps 45:13-14; 132:9) It was granted her to be arrayed in fine linen,
clean and white."
Fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
9 (Rev 21:5; 22:6) Then he said to me, "Write: Blessed are those who are
invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me,
"These are the true sayings of God."
10 (Rev 12:17; 22:8-9) I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me,
"See that you not do that. I am your fellow servant, and of your brothers
who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus
is the spirit of prophecy."
[5] And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his
servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
[6] And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice
of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia:
for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
[7] Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of
the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
[8] And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean
and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
[9] And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the
marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true
sayings of God.
[10] And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do
it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony
of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
The Rider on the White Horse
11 (Rev 3:14; 6:2) I saw heaven opened. And there was a white horse.
He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness
He judges and wages war.
12 (Rev 1:14; 6:2) His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head
are many crowns. He has a name written, that no one knows but He Himself.
13 (Jn 1:1) He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood. His name
is called The Word of God.
14 (Rev 19:8; 7:9 ) The armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen,
white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
15 (Isa 11:4; 2Th 2:8) Out of His mouth proceeds a sharp sword,
with which He may strike the nations.
"He shall rule them with an iron scepter."(Ps 2:9.)
He treads the winepress of the fury and wrath of God the Almighty.
16 (Rev 17:14) On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written:
KING OF KINGS
AND LORD OF LORDS.
17 (Rev 19:21; Jer 12:9) And I saw an angel standing in the sun,
and he cried with a loud voice to all the birds flying in the midst
of heaven, "Come and gather for the supper of the great God,
18 (Eze 39:18-20; Rev 6:15) to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh
of commanders, the flesh of strong men, the flesh of horses
and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave,
both small and great!"
19 (Rev 16:16; 16:14) Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth
with their armies gathered to wage war against Him who sat on the horse
and against His army.
20 (Rev 20:10; 21:8; 14:10) But the beast was captured and with him
the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which
he deceived those who received the mark of the beast
and those who worshipped his image. These two were thrown alive
into the lake of fire that burns with brimstone.
21 The remnant were slain with the sword which proceeded
out of the mouth of Him who sat on the horse.
And all the birds gorged themselves with their flesh .
[11] And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon
him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and
make war.
[12] His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and
he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
[13] And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is
called The Word of God.
[14] And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses,
clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
[15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite
the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the
winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
[16] And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF
KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
[17] And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice,
saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather
yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
[18] That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the
flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them,
and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
[19] And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies,
gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against
his army.
[20] And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought
miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark
of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive
into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
[21] And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the
horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled
with their flesh.
(Collaborators of Anti-Christ and False Prophet will meet a dreadful end)
Revelation 20
The Thousand Years
1 (Rev 1:18; 10:1) And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven,
having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 (2Pe 2:4; Rev 12:9) He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent,
who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
3 (Da 6:17; Mt 27:66) He cast him into the bottomless pit,
and shut him up, and set a seal on him, that he should deceive
the nations no more, until the thousand years were ended.
After that he must be set free for a little while.
4 (Da 7:9; 7:18) I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and the authority
to judge was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been
beheaded for their witness of Jesus and for the word of God.
They had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received
his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. They came to life
and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years
were ended. This is the first resurrection.
6 (Rev 1:6; 2:11; 5:10) Blessed and holy is he who takes part
in the first resurrection. Over these the second death has no power,
but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with
Him a thousand years.
[1] And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the
bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
[2] And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil,
and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
[3] And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal
upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand
years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
[4] And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto
them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of
Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast,
neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in
their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
[5] But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were
finished. This is the first resurrection.
[6] Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such
the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of
Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
( PLease note on Lucifer aka Satan is in jail, but not the rest of the demons)
The Defeat of Satan
7 (Rev 20:2) When the thousand years are ended, Satan will be set free from
his prison
8 (Rev 16:14; 20:3) and will go out to deceive the nations which are
in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle.
Their number is like the sand of the sea.
9 (Eze 38:9; 38:16) They traveled the breadth of the earth and surrounded
the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from God
out of heaven and devoured them.
10 (Rev 19:20; 20:2-3; 20:14-15) The devil, who deceived them, was cast
into the lake of fire and brimstone
where the beast and the false prophet were. They will be tormented day
and night forever and ever.
[7] And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of
his prison,
[8] And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters
of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number
of whom is as the sand of the sea.
[9] And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of
the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of
heaven, and devoured them.
[10] And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and
brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented
day and night for ever and ever.
(Satan will not accue anyone once tossed into the Lake of Fire)
Posted by DSY on
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
22 Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Province of Quebec
I) Pray for the leaders of Quebec,
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
b) Pray that the influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve
every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge
of God.
(
2 Cor 10: 3 - 5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strongholds,
5 casting down imaginations and every
high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every
thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4(for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;
)
From
On Eagle's Wings
Sojourner
14 When he rose, he took the young Child and His mother by night,
and departed into Egypt,
15 (Hos 11:1; Ex 4:22) and remained there until the death of Herod,
to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet,
"Out of Egypt I have called My Son."
A talent was worth several hundred pounds.
[14] When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and
departed into Egypt:
[15] And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I
called my son. Matthew 2:14-15
As travelers bustled through the Edmonton airport one cold
morning, they passed by Tim Horton's iconically long line. I was on
my way up to Aklavik with Robin to lead a Healing Group. As we
waited in line, he told me of the Anglican priest Reverend Victor and
his wife Nalini who had invited us to come and would host us. They
had left their home in India a decade prior and had since been
serving in the Arctic.
Breakfast in hand we found a table and exchanged stories while we
waited for our flight. Robin shared of his upbringing in Ireland and
his call to serve in Canada, while I shared of my missional
upbringing in Africa and recent ministry engagements in Canada.
The older I am, the more costly I realize travel, moving, and leaving
family behind is. When Christ came, he counted the cost. Creator
himself stepped into creation. Leaving the Father’s side,
Christ took on human flesh and lived among us, as a refugee, a
wanderer, a wanted and dying man. He meets us where we are at,
inviting all to be reconciled to the One who made them.
Tabea Kunz
Caring for the Wounded Heart Apprentice Facilitator
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord to understand why Christ is the reason for the season.
Pray to know the Lord as the One that came come into your life.
Pray to the Lord and pray to keep His Commandments and be a witness
to Christ.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear heavenly Father, thank You for including me in Your
family. Please use me to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ today."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him for patient in the due time of harvest.
Pray to the Lord and pray to lay down a legacy of righteousness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the anger of man does not
work the righteousness of God.
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 influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve
every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge
of God.
Emmanuel, we remember you gave up comfort to dwell as a
sojourner among us, having no place to lay your head. Let us
remember the cost of love as we lift up all who have sacrificed to
bring the message of peace on earth to those who are far away and
to those who are near. Let us count the cost and follow you. In
Jesus' Name, amen.
Pray that followers of Christ in Turkiye will remain faithful
despite pressures from authorities and/or family members.
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.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 2 - Due Season
Gal 6:9
9 And let us not grow weary in doing good,
for in due season we shall reap, if we do not give up.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Jackie's preschool class took on an exciting project: they were going to grow
flowers from seeds, Each child took the seed, planted it carefully in the
bedding soil, watered, and waited. But Jackie couldn't wait. Every day
for a week he ran to the window box, looked for his plants, poked, prodded,
unplanted the seeds and then planted them again. "It's no use,"
he pouted after the first week. "Nothing's gonna grow in there."
We live in an instant society - microwave dinners, quick fixes, easy answers.
We are conditioned by our environment to expect - even to demand -
immediate response, and when we have to wait,
we become impatient and irritable.
Paul's exhortation to the Galatians, "Let us not become weary in doing good,"
is as appropriate for twentieth-century believers as it was for the new church
at Galatia. We lose motivation when we don't see results,
and weariness sets in.
If our work does not seem to be producing as we hope, we want to abandon it
and move on to a new project.
But God says, "You will reap a harvest if you don't give up." We give up too
soon in our prayers for a loved one's salvation. We abandon hope too readily
when we don't see spiritual growth in our own lives, when our investment in
another's spiritual maturity seems to have no return. The Lord says,
"The harvest is coming; be patient; trust me."
In due season the harvest comes; when it's the right time. When the seed has
had time to germinate, when the roots are string enough, when the conditions
are right, the reaping time will come. But we must be willing to wait for
the due season, the moment of ripeness, when our labor brings its return.
Application
a) Have I ever felt that my spiritual labours have produced no harvest at all?
b) What does it mean to my own spiritual growth that there is a "due season"
for reaping the harvest?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ps 1:3
He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that brings forth its fruit in its season;
its leaf will not wither,
and whatever he does will prosper.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That bringeth forth his fruit in his season;
His leaf also shall not wither;
And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Angry or Vengeful
James 1:19-25
Hearing and Doing the Word
19 Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak, and slow to anger,
20 for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and remaining
wickedness and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able
to save your souls.
22 Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man
viewing his natural face in a mirror.
24 He views himself, and goes his way,
and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
25 But whoever looks into
the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it,
and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,
this man will be blessed in his deeds.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness,
and receive with meekness the engrafted word,
which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,
deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer,
he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway
forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,
and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer,
but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
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