Day 274 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 30 September 2024 reflections

Day 274, 30 September 2024



1) John 3, John 4:1-45



John 3



Jesus and Nicodemus



1 (Jn 19:39) There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus,

a ruler of the Jews.

2 (Ac 2:22; 10:38) He came to Jesus by night and said to Him,

"Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God.

For no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."

3 (Jn 1:13; 3:5-6) Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly I say to you,

unless a man is born again,

[Gk. a litra, or half a liter. he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old?

Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?”

5 (Ac 2:38; Eze 36:25-27; Mk 16:16) Jesus answered, "Truly, truly

I say to you, unless a man is born of water and the Spirit,

he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

6 (Ge 6:12; Job 14:4) That which is born of the flesh is flesh,

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 (Jn 3:3; 5:28) Do not marvel that I said to you,

'You must be born again.'

8 (Eze 37:9; 1Co 2:11) The wind blows where it wishes,

and you hear its sound, but you do not know where

it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone

who is born of the Spirit."

9 (Jn 6:52; 6:60) Nicodemus said to Him, "How can this be?"

10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel,

but you do not know these things?

11 (Jn 1:18; 7:16) Truly, truly I say to you, We speak of what

We know and bear witness of what We have seen, but you do not

receive Our testimony.

12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe,

how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

13 (Pr 30:4; Jn 1:18; 6:38) No one has ascended to heaven except

He who descended from heaven, even the Son of Man who is in heaven.

14 (Jn 8:28) Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

15 (Jn 3:16; 3:36) that whoever believes in Him should not perish,

but may have eternal life.

16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1-18) "For God so loved the world

that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him

should not perish, but have eternal life.

17 (1Jn 4:14; Lk 19:10) For God did not send His Son into the world

to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 (Jn 5:24; Mk 16:16) He who believes in Him is not condemned.

But he who does not believe is condemned already,

because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 (Jn 1:4; 8:12) This is the verdict, that light has come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not

come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

21 (1Jn 1:6; Ps 139:23-24) But he who does the truth comes to the light,

that it may be revealed that his deeds have been done in God."



[1] There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

[2] The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that

thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that

thou doest, except God be with him.

[3] Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

[4] Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he

enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

[5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of

water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

[6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the

Spirit is spirit.

[7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

[8] The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof,

but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one

that is born of the Spirit.

[9] Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

[10] Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and

knowest not these things?

[11] Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify

that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

[12] If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye

believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

[13] And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from

heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

[14] And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the

Son of man be lifted up:

[15] That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

[16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that

whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

[17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that

the world through him might be saved.

[18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is

condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only

begotten Son of God.

[19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and

men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

[20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the

light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

[21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be

made manifest, that they are wrought in God.



Jesus and John the Baptist



22 (Jn 3:26) After these things Jesus and His disciples came

into the land of Judea. He remained with them there and baptized.

23 John also was baptizing in Aenon toward Salim, because much water

was there. And people came and were baptized.

24 (Mt 4:12; 14:3) For John had not yet been put in prison.

25 (Jn 2:6) Then a dispute arose between some of John's disciples

and the Jews about ceremonial cleansing.

26 (Jn 1:7; 12:19) They came to John and said to him,

"Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you bore witness,

look, He is baptising, and everyone is going to Him."

27 (1Co 4:7; Jas 1:17) John answered, "A man can receive nothing

unless it has been given to him from heaven.

28 (Jn 1:20; 1:23) You yourselves bear witness of me, that I said,

'I am not the Christ,' but 'I have been sent before Him.'

29 (Mt 9:15; SS 5:1) He who has the bride is the bridegroom.

But the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him,

rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine

is fulfilled.

30 He must increase, but I must decrease."



[22] After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of

Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

[23] And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was

much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

[24] For John was not yet cast into prison.

[25] Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the

Jews about purifying.

[26] And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with

thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same

baptizeth, and all men come to him.

[27] John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given

him from heaven.

[28] Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but

that I am sent before him.

[29] He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the

bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of

the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

[30] He must increase, but I must decrease.



He Who Comes From Heaven



31 (Jn 8:23; Mt 28:18; Jn 6:33) He who comes from above is above all.

He who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth.

He who comes from heaven is above all.

32 (Jn 3:11; 1:11; 8:26) He bears witness of what He has seen and heard,

yet no one receives His testimony.

33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.

34 (Jn 3:17; Lk 4:18) For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God,

for God gives the Spirit without measure to Him.

35 (Mt 28:18; Jn 5:20) The Father loves the Son, and has placed all things

into His hand.

36 (Jn 5:24; 3:15-16) He who believes in the Son has eternal life.

He who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God

remains on him.



[31] He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is

earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

[32] And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man

receiveth his testimony.

[33] He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is

true.

[34] For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not

the Spirit by measure unto him.

[35] The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

[36] He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that

believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on

him.



John 4



Jesus and the Samaritan Woman



1 (Jn 3:22; 3:26) Now when the Lord learned that the Pharisees

had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John

2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples),

3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee.

4 Now it was necessary that He go through Samaria.

5 (Ge 33:19; 48:22) So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar,

near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

6 (Mt 4:2; 8:24) Jacob's well was there. Jesus, therefore, being exhausted

from His journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 A woman of Samaria came there to draw water.

Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink."

8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

9 (Jn 8:48; Mt 10:5) Then the woman of Samaria said to Him,

"How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?"

For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

10 (Jer 2:13; Jn 4:14) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God,

and who it is who is saying to you, 'Give Me a drink,'

you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."

11 The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with,

and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water?

12 (Jn 8:53) Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well

and drank from it himself, along with his sons and his livestock?"

13 Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again,

14 (Jn 6:35; Isa 49:10) but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give

him will never thirst. Indeed, the water that I shall give him will become

in him a well of water springing up into eternal life."

15 (Jn 6:34) The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, so that

I will not thirst, nor come here to draw."

16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here."

17 The woman answered, "I have no husband."

Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband,'

18 for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have

is not your husband. So you have spoken truthfully."

19 (Lk 7:16; 7:39) The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive

that You are a prophet.

20 (Ge 12:6-7; Dt 11:29) Our fathers worshipped on this mountain,

but you all say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship."

21 (Mal 1:11; 1Ti 2:8) Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me,

the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor

in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.

22 (Isa 2:3; Ro 9:4-5) You worship what you do not know; we know

what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.

23 (Php 3:3; Jn 5:25) Yet the hour is coming, and is now here,

when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.

For the Father seeks such to worship Him.

24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him

in spirit and truth."

25 (Jn 4:29) The woman said to Him, “"I know that Messiah is coming"

(who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things."

26 Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He."

27 (Lk 7:39; Jn 4:8-9) Then His disciples came. They marveled that He talked

with a woman. Yet no one said, "What do You seek?"

or, "Why are You talking with her?"

28 The woman then left her water pot, went her way into the city,

and said to the men,

29 (Jn 4:17-18; 4:25) "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did.

Could this be the Christ?"

30 They went out of the city and came to Him.

31 Meanwhile His disciples urged Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat."

32 (Job 23:12)But He said to them,

"I have food to eat of which you do not know."

33 Therefore the disciples said one to another,

"Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?"

34 (Jn 6:38; 17:4) Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him

who sent Me, and to finish His work.

35 (Mt 9:37-38; Jn 4:30) Do you not say, 'There are yet four months,

and then comes the harvest'? Listen! I say to you, lift up your eyes

and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.

36 (Ro 1:13) He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit that leads

to eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

37 (Mic 6:15; Job 31:8) For in this is the saying true, 'One sows,

and another reaps.'

38 (Ac 8:14-17) I sent you to reap a crop for which you did not labor.

And you have benefited from their labor."

39 (Jn 4:29; 4:5) Many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him

because of the word of the woman who testified,

"He told me all that I ever did."

40 So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to remain with them.

And He stayed there two days.

41 And many more believed because of His word.

42 (1Jn 4:14; Jn 1:29; 2Co 5:19) They said to the woman, "Now we believe,

not because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves

and know that this Man is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."



[1] When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made

and baptized more disciples than John,

[2] (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

[3] He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

[4] And he must needs go through Samaria.

[5] Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the

parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

[6] Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his

journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

[7] There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her,

Give me to drink.

[8] (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

[9] Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a

Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no

dealings with the Samaritans.

[10] Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and

who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of

him, and he would have given thee living water.

[11] The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the

well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

[12] Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and

drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

[13] Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water

shall thirst again:

[14] But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never

thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water

springing up into everlasting life.

[15] The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not,

neither come hither to draw.

[16] Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

[17] The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her,

Thou hast well said, I have no husband:

[18] For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy

husband: in that saidst thou truly.

[19] The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

[20] Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem

is the place where men ought to worship.

[21] Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall

neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

[22] Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is

of the Jews.

[23] But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall

worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to

worship him.

[24] God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit

and in truth.

[25] The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called

Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

[26] Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

[27] And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the

woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?

[28] The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and

saith to the men,

[29] Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this

the Christ?

[30] Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

[31] In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

[32] But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

[33] Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him

ought to eat?

[34] Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me,

and to finish his work.

[35] Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold,

I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are

white already to harvest.

[36] And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life

eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

[37] And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.

[38] I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men

laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

[39] And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying

of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

[40] So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he

would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

[41] And many more believed because of his own word;

[42] And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for

we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the

Saviour of the world.



The Healing of the Nobleman's Son



Mt 8:5-13; Lk 7:1-10



43 (Jn 4:40) After the two days He departed from there and went to Galilee.

44 (Mt 13:57; Lk 4:24) For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor

in his own country.

45 (Jn 2:23; 3:2) Then, when He came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed Him,

having seen all the things He did at Jerusalem at the feast.

For they had also gone to the feast.



[43] Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.

[44] For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own

country.

[45] Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having

seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also

went unto the feast.



2) Our Daily Bread for 230 September 2024 titled



"Small" Miracles




Zechariah 4:6-10



6 (Hos 1:7; Isa 11:2-4) And he said to me: "This is the word of the Lord

to Zerubbabel, saying: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,

says the Lord of Hosts.

7 (Jer 51:25; Ps 114:4) "Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel

you will be made level ground, and he will bring out the top stone amidst

shouting of 'Grace! Grace to the stone!' "

8Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:

9 (Ezr 5:16; 6:14-15) "The hands of Zerubbabel have established

the foundation of this house, and they will even complete it.

Then you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent Me to all of you.

10 (Hag 2:3; Zec 3:9) "For who has despised the day of small things?

These seven will rejoice and see the plumb line in the hand

of Zerubbabel. These are the eyes of the Lord, which survey to

and fro throughout the earth."



[6] Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD

unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith

the LORD of hosts.

[7] Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a

plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings,

crying, Grace, grace unto it.

[8] Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

[9] The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his

hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath

sent me unto you.

[10] For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice,

and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they

are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.



At our wedding shower, our shy friend Dave stood in a corner clutching an

oblong, tissue-wrapped object. When his turn came to present his gift, he

brought it forward. Evan and I unwrapped it to discover a hand-carved piece of

wood containing perfect oblong concentric woodgrain circles and the engraved

sentence, "Some of God's miracles are small." The plaque has hung in our home

for 45 years, reminding us again and again that God is at work even in the

small things. Paying a bill. Providing a meal. Healing a cold. All tallying up

to an impressive record of God's provision.



Through the prophet Zechariah, the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel received a

similar message from God regarding the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.

After returning from their Babylonian captivity, a season of slow progress

began, and the Israelites grew discouraged. "For who has despised the day

of small things?" God declared (Zechariah 4:10 ). He accomplishes His

desires through us and sometimes in spite of us.

"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,

says the Lord of Hosts."(v. 6).



When we grow weary at the apparent smallness of God's work in and around us,

may we remember that some of His miracles may be "small." He uses the small

things to build toward His greater purposes.



By: Elisa Morgan



Reflect & Pray



Where have you seen God's small miracles in your life?

How has He used small things to provide for your needs

and the needs of those around you?



Dear God, thank You for working Your

small miracles in my life. Please help me to notice all Your works!



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



Proverbs 10:22



22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich ,and He adds no sorrow with it.



22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, And he addeth no sorrow with it.



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



When you are Saddened by Loss



1 Cor 15:35-38,51-57



35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up?

With what body do they come?"

36 You fool! What you sow is not made alive unless it dies.

37 When you sow, you do not sow the body that shall be, but a bare kernel,

perhaps of wheat or of some other grain.

38 Then God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.



51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall

all be changed.

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet,

for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible,

and we shall be changed.

53 For tis corruptible will put on incorruption,

and this mortal will put on immortality.

54 When this corruptible will have put on incorruption,

and this mortal will have put on immortality,

then the saying that is written shall come to pass:

"Death is swallowed up in victory."

55 "O death, where is your sting?

O grave, where is your victory?"

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through

our Lord Jesus Christ!



35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up?

and with what body do they come?

36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

37 and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be,

but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

38 but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him,

and to every seed his own body.



51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall

all be changed,

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:

for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,

and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption,

and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,

and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought

to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through

our Lord Jesus Christ.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13





9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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



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



Prince Edward Island



Total population 146300

Muslim population (est.) 1127



Charlottetown does not currently (fall 2014) have a local CNMM network.

Pray with us for God's people to come together in reaching Muslims

cooperatively across denominational and organisational lines.



More than 200 attended the Eid festival at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic

month of fasting during daylight hours and the reading of the Qur'an, at

the Dar as-Salam mosque in 2014. This second mosque established

in Charlottetown, the other being the Muslims Association of PEI.

As of mid-2014,there are between 250 to 300 families, mostly in Charlottetown.



The Muslims of Charlottetown see their community as symbolically important

for this nation since this is known as the "birthplace of Canada". Yet we were

established as the "Dominion of Canada" with an appeal not only to

monarchial authority, but even more to God's higher Biblical authority as

shown in Psalm 72:8, "May he have dominion from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth."

Let us intercede together for:



- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading

outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.

- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community

in contextual ways to share the Gospel

- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,

giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching

out to Muslims locally.

- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's

Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness

and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father

through the Son.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



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

"What does this mean?"

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



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



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

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

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

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

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

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

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



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



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



http://www.ehc.ca



Day 30 of the Month



a) Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout

Canadian society, as it is in Heaven



( Matt 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.



)



b) Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city

or community, and across our nation. (



Rom 2:4



4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness,

tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God

leads you to repentance?



4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance

and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth

thee to repentance?



)



Pray to the Lord and pray to be born again and have an encounter with Jesus.



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

small miracles in my life. Please help me to notice all Your works!"



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Blessings of the Lord.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be stedfast in the Lord.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know He will keep His promise with the Rapture

of the Church.



Pray for Prince Edward Island and her Muslim populations



- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading

outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.

- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community

in contextual ways to share the Gospel

- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,

giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching

out to Muslims locally.

- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's

Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness

and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father

through the Son.



Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout

Canadian society, as it is in Heaven



Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city

or community, and across our nation.



Pray that Sunni Muslims, who comprise 98% of Djibouti's population, will turn

to faith in Christ.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

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



Remember eternity starts now -

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

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - The Sound of Drums

"Bad Wolf" is a thrilling and pivotal episode that serves as the penultimate episode of the first season of the revived Doctor Who series. It seamlessly weaves together various plot threads from previous episodes, introduces the iconic Daleks, and delivers a shocking cliffhanger that leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment.



**Key strengths:**



**Pacing and suspense:** The episode maintains a fast pace, constantly building tension and suspense with its clever use of cliffhangers and dramatic twists.

**Clever references and Easter eggs:** The episode is filled with references to previous episodes, rewarding attentive viewers and adding depth to the overall narrative.

**Introduction of the Daleks:** The Daleks are introduced in a memorable and chilling way, solidifying their status as one of the Doctor's most formidable enemies.

**Emotional impact:** The episode delivers a powerful emotional punch, particularly with the shocking revelation about Rose's fate and the Doctor's desperate attempt to save her.



**Potential weaknesses:**



**Some pacing issues:** The first half of the episode might feel a bit slow-paced as it sets up the various plotlines.

**Overreliance on cliffhangers:** The episode's frequent use of cliffhangers can be a bit repetitive at times.



**Overall, "Bad Wolf" is a masterpiece of television that ranks among the best episodes of the new series.** It seamlessly blends action, suspense, humor, and emotional depth, leaving viewers breathless with anticipation for the conclusion.



**Rating: 9/10**

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - The Sound of Drums

In *Doctor Who: The Sound of Drums*, the stakes rise dramatically as the Master (played by John Simm) takes center stage as Prime Minister Harold Saxon. This episode is fast-paced, thrilling, and loaded with political intrigue, fear, and chaos. Written by Russell T. Davies, the story continues from *Utopia*, diving deeper into the Master’s plans to reshape the world—and the universe—under his control. It provides viewers with a dark and captivating look at what happens when one of the Doctor's greatest enemies gains ultimate power.



The opening sequences give the audience a glimpse of just how deeply Saxon, or rather the Master, has entrenched himself in human society. He has manipulated the media, politicians, and even public opinion to believe that he’s humanity’s savior. The sense of helplessness as the Doctor (David Tennant), Martha (Freema Agyeman), and Captain Jack (John Barrowman) are on the run adds urgency and tension to the episode. Tennant plays the Doctor as more vulnerable than usual, coming face to face with a foe he knows all too well, yet feels powerless to stop.



One of the strongest elements of The Sound of Drums is the Master himself. John Simm’s portrayal is electric, brimming with maniacal energy and unpredictability. Unlike previous, more measured incarnations of the Master, Simm’s version is a chaotic force, blending humor and menace in a way that makes him a standout villain. His interactions with the Doctor are some of the best in the episode. The two share a long history, and the dynamic between Tennant and Simm adds layers of complexity to their rivalry. It’s clear that beneath the Master’s sadism lies a deep connection to the Doctor, a bond twisted by envy and hatred.



The episode also reveals the origin of the drumming sound in the Master’s head, a key element that has driven his madness. The sound of drums—a constant, inescapable rhythm—symbolizes his mental torment, and the episode builds sympathy for the Master, even as he commits atrocities. It’s a fascinating exploration of the villain’s psyche, making him a more three-dimensional character rather than a one-note antagonist.



Meanwhile, Martha’s family is tragically caught in the Master’s web of manipulation. Their capture raises the emotional stakes for Martha, whose resolve is tested as she witnesses her loved ones suffer under the Master’s control. Freema Agyeman continues to deliver a strong performance, portraying Martha’s fear, but also her growing determination to stop the Master. Her arc in this episode is particularly compelling, as she moves from being the Doctor’s companion to a key figure in resisting the Master’s rule.



The visual aesthetics of the episode are striking. The Master’s public appearances are staged with an eerie mix of political grandeur and dystopian undertones. The towering Valiant aircraft and the imposing Toclafane—mysterious, deadly spheres that the Master uses as his enforcers—add to the episode’s atmosphere of impending doom. The Toclafane, revealed to be the remnants of humanity from the far future, offer a bleak glimpse of what could happen if hope is lost, further emphasizing the stakes of the story.



One of the most memorable moments in The Sound of Drums is the Master’s use of pop culture references, including his gleeful dancing to "Voodoo Child" by Rogue Traders as he launches his plan to enslave the Earth. This adds a surreal and unsettling edge to his character, as he revels in destruction with almost childlike glee. It also contrasts sharply with the Doctor’s more sober and compassionate demeanor, highlighting the differences between the two Time Lords.



The episode doesn’t shy away from showing the Doctor’s vulnerability. Stripped of his TARDIS and faced with the overwhelming power of the Master, the Doctor is at a rare loss for how to proceed. His moments of doubt and fear make him more relatable and human, even as he is a Time Lord. The reveal that the Master has hijacked the Archangel Network to manipulate humanity’s perception of him adds a clever layer of political commentary about media influence and public opinion.



Captain Jack, as always, brings his own charm and sense of heroism to the table. His immortality, a blessing and curse, is briefly touched upon, adding more depth to his character. His loyalty to the Doctor and his willingness to fight, even in seemingly impossible odds, makes him a strong ally in this battle against the Master.



The cliffhanger ending of The Sound of Drums is one of the most intense in the Doctor Who series. The Master launches his plan with devastating effect, as the Toclafane rain down destruction on Earth, and the Doctor is left aged and powerless. It’s a gut-wrenching moment, leaving viewers desperate to see how the Doctor and his companions will overcome such insurmountable odds.



In terms of pacing, the episode balances action and drama effectively, though the frenetic energy can feel overwhelming at times. The Master’s fast-talking, chaotic demeanor sets the tone, but occasionally the episode moves so quickly that it’s hard to catch a breath. Still, this fast pace serves the plot, conveying the urgency and danger of the Master’s takeover.



In conclusion, The Sound of Drums is a thrilling, dark, and captivating episode that delves deep into the Master’s character while also exploring themes of power, manipulation, and humanity’s hope for survival. John Simm’s portrayal of the Master is electric, providing a sharp contrast to David Tennant’s vulnerable but determined Doctor. The episode sets the stage for a grand finale, leaving the Doctor and his companions in their most perilous position yet.



Rating: 9/10



This episode offers a well-executed balance of suspense, character development, and political intrigue, marking it as one of the standout stories in the Tenth Doctor’s era. The Master’s chaotic energy and the Doctor’s sense of hopelessness make for a compelling confrontation, building anticipation for the epic conclusion to come.

Day 273 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 29 September 2024 reflections

Day 273, 29 September 2024



Today at Calvary Community

church
, Pastor Barry Regier spoke on God's REscue Plan ... Giving

and generosity



Galatians 2:10



10 (Ac 24:17) Only they requested that we should remember the poor,

which I also was eager to do.



[10] Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also

was forward to do.



James 2:14-16



14 (Jas 1:22-25; Gal 5:6) What does it profit, my brothers,

if a man says he has faith but has no works? Can faith save him?

15 (Lk 3:11) If a brother or sister is naked and lacking daily food,

16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,"

and yet you give them nothing that the body needs, what does it profit?



[14] What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and

have not works? can faith save him?

[15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

[16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled;

notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body;

what doth it profit?



A) What is giving?



Giving can be described as voluntarily presenting something to someone else

with any expectation of response.



Matthew 6:21



21 (Lk 12:34) for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.



[21] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.



Psalm 24:1



1 The earth belongs to the Lord, and its fullness,

the world, and those who dwell in it.



[1] The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they

that dwell therein.



Proverbs 22:2



2 (Job 31:15; Pr 14:31) The rich and poor have this in common,

the Lord is the maker of them all.



2 The rich and poor meet together:

The LORD is the maker of them all.



Genesis 14:18-20



18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine.

He was the priest of God Most High.

19 And he blessed him and said,

"Blessed be Abram by God Most High,

Creator of heaven and earth;

20 and blessed be God Most High,

who has delivered your enemies into your hand."

Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.



[18] And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was

the priest of the most high God.

[19] And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God,

possessor of heaven and earth:

[20] And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies

into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.



Leviticus 27:30



30 (Ge 28:22; 14:20) Any tithe of the land, whether seed of the land

or fruit of the trees, belongs to the Lord. It is holy to the Lord.



[30] And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of

the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD.



Deuteronomy 14:22-29







Tithes



22 (Dt 12:17; 12:6) You must be certain to tithe all the produce of your seed,

so that the field produces year by year.

23 (Dt 4:10; 12:5-7) You must eat before the Lord your God,

in the place in which He shall choose to place His name,

the tithe of your grain, of your wine, of your oil,

and of the firstborn of your herds and of your flocks so that

you may learn to always fear the Lord your God.

24 (Dt 12:21; 12:5) If the distance is too long for you, so that you are

not able to carry it, because the place is too far from you, where

the Lord your God shall choose to set His name, when the Lord

your God blesses you,

25 then you shall exchange it for money and bind up the money

in your hand and go to the place which the Lord your God shall choose.

26 (Dt 12:7; Ecc 9:7) Then you may spend that money for whatever

your heart desires, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink,

or for whatever your heart desires, and you may eat there before the Lord

your God, and you shall rejoice, you, and your household,

27 (Nu 18:20; Dt 14:29) and the Levite that is within your gates.

You must not forsake him, for he has no portion or inheritance with you.

28 (Dt 14:22; Am 4:4) At the end of three years you must bring forth

all the tithe of your produce the same year and lay it up within your gates.

29 (Dt 15:10; 14:27) Then the Levite (because he has no portion

or inheritance with you), the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow,

who are within your gates, shall come and shall eat and be satisfied,

so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand

which you do.





[22] Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field

bringeth forth year by year.

[23] And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall

choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of

thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou

mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.

[24] And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry

it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall

choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:

[25] Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine

hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:

[26] And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after,

for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever

thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and

thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,

[27] And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him;

for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.

[28] At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine

increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:

[29] And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,)

and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy

gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may

bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.



Matthew 23:23



23 (Lk 11:42; Mic 6:8; 1Sa 15:22) "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees,

hypocrites! You tithe mint and dill and cumin, but have neglected

the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.

These you ought to have done without leaving the others undone.



[23] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of

mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the

law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to

leave the other undone.



1 Timothy 6:17-19



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

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

who richly gives us all things to enjoy.

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

works, generous, willing to share,

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

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



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

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

all things to enjoy;

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

distribute, willing to communicate;

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

come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.



2 Corinthians 8:1-5



2 Corinthians 8



Liberal Giving



1 (Ac 16:9) Moreover, brothers, we want you to experience the grace of God

bestowed on the churches of Macedonia,

2 how in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their

deep poverty overflowed toward the riches of their generous giving.

3 (1Co 16:2) For I bear record that according to their means,

and beyond their means, they freely gave,

4 (Ac 24:17; 1Co 16:3-4) begging us with much urgency that we would receive

the gift and the fellowship of ministering to the saints.

5 This they did, not as we expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord,

and then to us by the will of God.



[1] Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the

churches of Macedonia;

[2] How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and

their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

[3] For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were

willing of themselves;

[4] Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take

upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

[5] And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to

the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.



Luke 6:37-38



37 (Mk 11:25; Eph 4:32) "Judge not, and you shall not be judged.

Condemn not, and you will not be condemned.

Forgive, and you shall be forgiven.

38 (Ps 79:12; Mk 4:24) 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."



[37] Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall

not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

[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.



Proverbs 11:24-25



24 (Ps 112:9; Pr 19:17) There is one who scatters, yet increases;

and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty.

25 (Mt 5:7) The generous soul will be made rich,

and he who waters will be watered also himself.



24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth;

And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

25 The liberal soul shall be made fat:

And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.



Malachi 3:8-11



8 Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me.

But you say, "How have we robbed You?"

In tithes and offerings.

9 (Mal 2:2) You are cursed with a curse, your whole nation,

for you are robbing Me.

10 (Ge 7:11; 2Ki 7:2) Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,

that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,

says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open for you the windows

of heaven and pour out for you a blessing, that there will not be room

enough to receive it.

11 I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that it will not

estroy the fruit of your ground, and the vines in your field will not

fail to bear fruit, says the Lord of Hosts.



[8] Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we

robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

[9] Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole

nation.

[10] Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in

mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will

not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there

shall not be room enough to receive it.

[11] And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy

the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the

time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.



B) Why is it important to be generous?



Colossians 3:17



17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20) And whatever you do in word or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father

through Him.



[17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord

Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.



C) How can it look today?



1 Corinthians 16:2



2 (Ac 20:7; Rev 1:10; Lk 24:1) On the first day of the week let every

one of you lay in store, as God has prospered him,

so that no collections be made when I come.



[2] Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store,

as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.



Malachi 3:11



11 I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that it will not

estroy the fruit of your ground, and the vines in your field will not

fail to bear fruit, says the Lord of Hosts.



[11] And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy

the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the

time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.



Galatians 2:10



10 (Ac 24:17) Only they requested that we should remember the poor,

which I also was eager to do.



[10] Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also

was forward to do.



REflection:



- In which area are you not trusting God with finances?



- What is holding you back from Giving and living generously?



- Will you determine in your heart now to test God with a tithe and see

what He will do?!



Blessing 2 Corinthians 9:6,7,11





6 (Pr 22:9; Lk 6:38) But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap

sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

7 (Ex 25:2; 2Co 8:12) Let every man give according to the purposes

in his heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful

giver.

11 (2Co 1:11; 1Co 1:5) So you will be enriched in everything to all

bountifulness, which makes us give thanks to God.



[6] But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and

he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

[7] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not

grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

[11] Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth

through us thanksgiving to God.



1) John 1:35-51, Mark 1:12-13, Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-15, John 2



John 1:35-51



The First Disciples

35 Again, the next day John was standing with two of his disciples.

36 Looking upon ­Jesus as He walked, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"

37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

38 Then Jesus turned, saw them following, and said to them,

"What do you seek?"

And they said to Him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are You staying?"

39 Jesus said to them, "Come and see."

So they came and saw where He stayed and remained with Him that day,

for it was about the tenth hour.

40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew,

Simon Peter's brother.

41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him,

"We have found the Messiah" (which means the Christ).

42 Then he brought him to Jesus.

When Jesus saw him, He said, "You are Simon the son of John.

You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).



[35] Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

[36] And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

[37] And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

[38] Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What

seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted,

Master,) where dwellest thou?

[39] He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and

abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

[40] One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew,

Simon Peter's brother.

[41] He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have

found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

[42] And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou

art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by

interpretation, A stone.



The Calling of Philip and Nathanael



43 The next day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip,

and said to him, "Follow Me."

44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom

Moses in the law, as well as the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth,

the son of Joseph."

46 Nathanael said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?"

Philip said to him, "Come and see."

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him and said concerning him,

"Here is an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.

48 Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?"

Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were

under the fig tree, I saw you."

49 Nathanael answered Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God!

You are the King of Israel!"

50 Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under

the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these."

51 And He said to him, "Truly, truly I say to you, hereafter you shall see

heaven opened and the angels of God ascending

and descending upon the Son of Man."



[43] The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth

Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

[44] Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

[45] Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of

whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the

son of Joseph.

[46] And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of

Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

[47] Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an

Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

[48] Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and

said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig

tree, I saw thee.

[49] Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God;

thou art the King of Israel.

[50] Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee

under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than

these.

[51] And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye

shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon

the Son of man.



Mark 1:12-13



The Temptation of Jesus

Mt 4:1-11; Lk 4:1-13



12 (Mt 4:1-11) The Spirit immediately drove Him into the wilderness.

13 (Mt 26:53; Heb 4:15) And He was there in the wilderness for forty days,

tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts.

And the angels ministered to Him.



[12] And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

[13] And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan;

and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.



Matthew 4:1-11



The Temptation of Jesus



Mk 1:12-13; Lk 4:1-13



1 (Lk 4:1-13; Heb 2:18) Then Jesus was led up into the wilderness

by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil.

2 (1Ki 19:8; Ex 34:28) And He had fasted for forty days and forty nights,

and then He was hungry.

3 (1Th 3:5; Mt 3:17) And the tempter came to Him and said,

"If You are the Son of God, command that these stones be turned into bread."

4 (Dt 8:3; Lk 4:4; Mt 4:7) But He answered, "It is written,

'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds

out of the mouth of God.'Ex 20:12; Dt 5:16."

5 (Mt 27:53; Ne 11:1) Then the devil took Him up into the holy city,

and set Him on the highest point of the temple,

6 (Ps 91:11-12) and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God,

throw Yourself down. For it is written,

'He shall give His angels charge concerning you,' Ps 91:11-12.

and

'In their hands they shall lift you up,

lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.' Ps 91:12."

7 (Dt 6:16; Mt 4:4) Jesus said to him, "It is also written,

'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' Dt 6:16."

8 (Mt 16:26; 1Jn 2:15-16) Again, the devil took Him up on a very high

mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their grandeur,

9 and said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down

and worship me. "

10 (1Ch 21:1; Dt 10:20) Then Jesus said to him, "Get away from here, Satan!

For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God,

and Him only shall you serve.'Dt 6:13. "

11 (Mt 26:53; Lk 22:43; Heb 1:14) Then the devil left Him,

and immediately angels came and ministered to Him.



Matthew 4

[1] Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of

the devil.

[2] And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an

hungred.

[3] And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God,

command that these stones be made bread.

[4] But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread

alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

[5] Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a

pinnacle of the temple,

[6] And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it

is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their

hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a

stone.

[7] Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord

thy God.

[8] Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and

sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

[9] And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall

down and worship me.

[10] Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written,

Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

[11] Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered

unto him.



Luke 4:1-15



The Temptation of Jesus



Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13



1 (Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13) Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit,

returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

2 (1Ki 19:8; Ex 34:28) being tempted by the devil for forty days.

During those days He ate nothing. And when they were ended, He was hungry.

3 The devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God,

command this stone to become bread."

4 (Dt 8:3; Lk 4:8) Jesus answered him, "It is written,

'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'Dt 8:3."

5 The devil, taking Him up onto a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms

of the world in a moment of time.

6 (Jn 12:31; 14:30) And the devil said to Him, "I will give You all this power

and their glory, for it has been delivered to me. And I give it to whomever

I will.

7 If You, then, will worship me, all will be Yours."

8 (Dt 6:13; Mt 4:10) And Jesus answered him,

"Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written,

'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.'Dt 6:13."

9 (Mt 4:5-6; Lk 4:3) He brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle

of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself

down from here.

10 (Ps 91:11-12) For it is written:

'He shall give His angels charge concerning you,

to preserve you,'

11 and

'In their hands they shall hold you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.'Ps 91:11–12."

12 (Dt 6:16) Jesus answered him,

"It is said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'Dt 6:16."

13 (Jn 14:30; Heb 4:15) When the devil had ended all the temptations,

he departed from Him until another time.



The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry





Luke 4

[1] And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was

led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

[2] Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat

nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

[3] And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this

stone that it be made bread.

[4] And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not

live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

[5] And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him

all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

[6] And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and

the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I

will I give it.

[7] If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

[8] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for

it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt

thou serve.

[9] And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the

temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down

from hence:

[10] For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to

keep thee:

[11] And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou

dash thy foot against a stone.

[12] And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt

the Lord thy God.

[13] And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him

for a season.



Mt 4:12-17; Mk 1:14-15

14 (Mt 4:12) Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee.

And His fame went throughout the surrounding region. 1

15 (Mt 4:23) He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by everyone.



[14] And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there

went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

[15] And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.





John 2



The Wedding at Cana



1 (Jn 4:46; 21:2) On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee.

The mother of Jesus was there.

2 Both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.

3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."

4 (Jn 7:6; 7:30) Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does this have to do with Me?

My hour has not yet come."

5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."

6 (Jn 3:25) Six water pots made of stone were sitting there, used

for ceremonial cleansing by the Jews, containing twenty to thirty gallons

[Gk. 2 to 3 metretes, or 75 to 115 liters.] each.

7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water."

And they filled them up to the brim.

8 Then He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the master

of the feast." And they took it.

9 (Jn 4:46) When the master of the feast tasted the water that had been

turned into wine, and did not know where it came from

(though the servants who drew the water knew), the master of the feast

called the bridegroom,

10 and he said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first, and after men

have drunk freely, then the poor wine is served.

But you have kept the good wine until now."

11 (Jn 1:14; 3:2) This, the first of His signs, Jesus did in Cana of Galilee,

and He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

12 (Mt 12:46; 4:13) After this He, and His mother, and His brothers,

and His disciples went down to Capernaum. They remained there a few days.



John 2

[1] And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the

mother of Jesus was there:

[2] And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

[3] And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have

no wine.

[4] Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is

not yet come.

[5] His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

[6] And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the

purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

[7] Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled

them up to the brim.

[8] And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the

feast. And they bare it.

[9] When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and

knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the

governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

[10] And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good

wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast

kept the good wine until now.

[11] This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested

forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

[12] After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his

brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.



The Cleansing of the Temple



Mt 21:12-17; Mk 11:15-17; Lk 19:45-48



13 (Lk 2:41; Jn 11:55) The Passover of the Jews was at hand,

and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

14 (Mk 11:15; Lk 19:45-46) In the temple He found those who were selling oxen

and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers sitting there.

15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple,

with the sheep and oxen. He poured out the changers' money

and overturned the tables.

16 (Lk 2:49) He said to those who sold doves,

"Take these things away!

Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!"

17 (Ps 69:9) His disciples remembered that it was written,

"Zeal for Your house will consume Me."Ps 69:9.

18 (Jn 6:30) Then the Jews said to Him, "What sign do You show us,

seeing that You do these things?"

19 (Mt 27:40; Mk 14:58) Jesus answered them,

"Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

20 Then the Jews said, "It has taken 46 years to build this temple,

and will You raise it up in three days?"

21 (1Co 6:19; Jn 1:14) But He was speaking concerning the temple of His body.

22 (Jn 12:16; 14:26) Therefore, when He was raised from the dead,

His disciples remembered that He had said this to them.

And they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.



[13] And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

[14] And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and

the changers of money sitting:

[15] And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of

the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money,

and overthrew the tables;

[16] And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not

my Father's house an house of merchandise.

[17] And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine

house hath eaten me up.

[18] Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto

us, seeing that thou doest these things?

[19] Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three

days I will raise it up.

[20] Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building,

and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

[21] But he spake of the temple of his body.

[22] When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered

that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the

word which Jesus had said.



Jesus Knows All Men



23 (Jn 3:2) Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast,

many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.

24 (Mt 9:4; Jn 5:42) But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them,

because He knew all men,

25 and did not need anyone to bear

witness of man, for He knew what was in man.





[23] Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many

believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

[24] But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

[25] And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in

man.



2) Our Daily Bread for 29 September 2024 titled



Heart Healthy




Proverbs 4:20-27



20 (Pr 5:1) My son, attend to my words;

incline your ear to my sayings.

21 (Pr 3:21; 2:1 ) Do not let them depart from your eyes;

keep them in the midst of your heart;

22 (Pr 3:8; 12:18) for they are life to those who find them,

and health to all their body.

23 (Lk 6:45; Pr 4:7 ) Keep your heart with all diligence,

for out of it are the issues of life.

24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth,

and put perverse lips far from you.

25 Let your eyes look right on,

and let your eyelids look straight before you.

26 (Pr 5:6; Heb 12:13) Ponder the path of your feet,

and let all your ways be established.

27 (Dt 5:32; 28:14) Do not turn to the right or to the left;

remove your foot from evil.



20 My son, attend to my words;

Incline thine ear unto my sayings.

21 Let them not depart from thine eyes;

Keep them in the midst of thine heart.

22 For they are life unto those that find them,

And health to all their flesh.

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence;

For out of it are the issues of life.

24 Put away from thee a froward mouth,

And perverse lips put far from thee.

25 Let thine eyes look right on,

And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

26 Ponder the path of thy feet,

And let all thy ways be established.

27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left:

Remove thy foot from evil.



The human heart is an amazing organ. This fist-sized pumping station weighs

between 7 and 15 ounces. Daily it beats around 100000 times and pumps 2000

gallons of blood through the 60000 miles of blood vessels in our bodies!

With such a strategic assignment and heavy workload, it’s understandable why

heart health is central to the well-being of the entire body. Medical science

encourages us to pursue healthy habits because the condition of our heart

and the quality of our health go together.



While medical science speaks authoritatively about our physical hearts,

God speaks with even greater authority about a "heart" of another kind.

He addresses the mental, emotional, spiritual, and moral "center" of our

being. Because the heart is the central processing unit of life, it must be

protected: "Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it"

(Proverbs 4:23). Safeguarding our hearts will help us with our speech (v. 24),

compel us to be discerning with our eyes (v. 25), and choose the best paths

for our feet (v. 27). Regardless of age or stage of life, when our hearts are

guarded, our lives are preserved, our relationships are protected, and God is

honoured.



By: Arthur Jackson



Sign in to track your progress!

Reflect & Pray



What do your lifestyle and habits reveal about the condition of your heart?

If you haven't prayed to God for a change of heart, what's keeping you from

doing that today?



Search me, dear God, and know my heart; create in me a clean heart.

Let me hide Your truth in my heart that I might not sin against You.



For further study, read Grace: Accepting God’s Gift to You.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 1 Hard Bargain



Mark 11:24



24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray,

believe that you will receive them, and you will have them.



24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,

believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.



"I've been praying." Jennifer declared confidently. " I told God I'd give him

a tithe of that $5000000 when I win the sweepstakes."

Her friend Cindi laughed. "Well, then, you don't have a chance. I told him

I'd give him half!"

Can we, as in Mark 11:24 seems to imply , pray for anything, absolutely

anything, and expect that the Lord will come through? Can we pray with

assurance for new cars, mink coats, or trips to the Caribbean? The verse

seems to be a troublesome one, especially when we try it and our prayers

aren't answered in the way we expected.

But seen in context, Mark 11:24 gives us a much broader picture of the

kind of prayer Jesus meant. The verse appears in the framework of

Jesus' ministry - cleansing the temple, correcting the Pharisees,

commanding forgiveness, discussing his authority. The condition for

the fulfillment of Mark 11:24, if Jesus' actions are any indication,

is fulfilling the will and purpose of God.

Such a condition for powerful prayers involves much more than attaching

am "If it be Thy will" clause onto the end of our prayers. We need to know

God's will and walk in it, seeking his kingdom first, and drawing close to

him. Then , as our hearts are right with him, what we ask in prayer

is likely to be congruent with the mind and purposes of Christ. We are

less likely to pray selfishly, and more likely to share God's priorities,

as we get to know him. And as we deepen in our knowledge of him,

as his will becomes our will, his promise for answered prayer takes

on new dimensions.



Application



a) What is the connection betweeen know God's will and praying effectively?



b) What changes need to take place in my life

so that I might pray with greater power?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Ps 37:25-26



25 I have been young, and now am old;

yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,

nor their offspring begging bread.

26 The righteous are gracious and lend,

and their offspring are a source of blessing.



25 I have been young, and now am old;

Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,

nor his seed begging bread.

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth;

And his seed is blessed.



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



When you are ill or injured



Matthew 8:14-17



The Healing of Many People



Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41



14 When Jesus entered Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother,

lying sick with a fever.

15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she rose and served them.

16 When the evening came, they brought to Him many

who were possessed with demons.

And He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all who were sick,

17 to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,

"He Himself took our infirmities

and bore our sicknesses."



[14] And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother

laid, and sick of a fever.

[15] And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and

ministered unto them.

[16] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed

with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that

were sick:

[17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,

saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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



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



Prince Edward Island



Total population 146300

Muslim population (est.) 1127



Charlottetown does not currently (fall 2014) have a local CNMM network.

Pray with us for God's people to come together in reaching Muslims

cooperatively across denominational and organisational lines.



More than 200 attended the Eid festival at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic

month of fasting during daylight hours and the reading of the Qur'an, at

the Dar as-Salam mosque in 2014. This second mosque established

in Charlottetown, the other being the Muslims Association of PEI.

As of mid-2014,there are between 250 to 300 families, mostly in Charlottetown.



The Muslims of Charlottetown see their community as symbolically important

for this nation since this is known as the "birthplace of Canada". Yet we were

established as the "Dominion of Canada" with an appeal not only to

monarchial authority, but even more to God's higher Biblical authority as

shown in Psalm 72:8, "May he have dominion from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth."

Let us intercede together for:



- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading

outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.

- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community

in contextual waysto sahre the Gosepl

- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,

giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching

out to Muslims locally.

- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's

Spirit in His churches and poeple , and an awakening an openness

and spiritual hunger in Muslims for realtionship with the Father

through the Son.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



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

"What does this mean?"

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



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



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

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

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

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

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

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

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



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





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



http://www.ehc.ca



Day 29 of the Month



a) Pray that God will enlighten those in medicine and health care

to acknowledge the sanctity of life and server with true

integrity and compassion (



Ps 139:13-16



13 You brought my inner parts into being;

You wove me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise you, for You made me with fear and wonder;

marvelous are Your works,

and You know me completely.

15 My frame was not hidden from You

when I was made in secret,

and intricately put together in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw me unformed,

yet in Your book

all my days were written,

before any of them came into being.



13 For thou hast possessed my reins:

Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee,

When I was made in secret, and curiously wrought

in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect;

And in thy book all my members were written,

Which in continuance were fashioned,

When as yet there was none of them.



)



b) Pray that the Church in Canada will remember the poor

and compassionately respond to their plight (



Gal 2:10



10 (Ac 24:17) Only they requested that we should remember the poor,

which I also was eager to do.



10 Only they would that we should remember the poor;

the same which I also was forward to do.



)



Pray to the Lord and pray for the Lord to guide you in generosity.



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



Pray to the Lord: "Search me, dear God, and know my heart;

create in me a clean heart.

Let me hide Your truth in my heart that I might not sin against You."



Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the Lord's will in prayer.



Pray to the Lord and pray to root in righteousness.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know Jesus as Healer.



Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray that God will enlighten those in medicine and health care

to acknowledge the sanctity of life and server with true

integrity and compassion



Pray that the Church in Canada will remember the poor

and compassionately respond to their plight



Pray that the number of believers in Mauritania will more than double

within the next year.



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.

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - The Doctor Dances

"The Doctor Dances" is a gripping and suspenseful episode that continues the story from "The Empty Child." It delves deeper into the mystery of the gas mask-wearing child and the deadly plague that threatens London.



**Key strengths:**



**Intense atmosphere:** The episode maintains the same chilling atmosphere as its predecessor, with the constant threat of the child and the spreading plague creating a sense of impending doom.

**Compelling characters:** The Doctor, Rose, and Jack continue to shine, their interactions filled with tension and emotional depth. The introduction of the enigmatic Empress of the Void adds another intriguing element to the story.

**Well-paced action:** The episode delivers a good mix of dialogue, character development, and action sequences, keeping the viewer engaged throughout.

**Satisfying conclusion:** The ending provides a resolution to the mystery while still leaving room for future developments, ensuring a satisfying conclusion to the two-part story.



**Potential weaknesses:**



**Some pacing issues:** The first half of the episode might feel a bit slow-paced as the characters try to understand the situation.

**Overreliance on cliffhangers:** The episode relies heavily on cliffhangers to keep the viewer hooked, which can be a bit repetitive at times.



**Overall, "The Doctor Dances" is a thrilling and well-crafted episode that ranks among the best of the new series.** It seamlessly blends suspense, action, and character development, making it an essential watch for any fan of the show.



**Rating: 8/10**

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - Utopia

Doctor Who: Utopia is a thrilling episode that reignites excitement in the series, combining character-driven drama with significant revelations. Written by Russell T. Davies, the story transports the Doctor (David Tennant), Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), and Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) to the distant future, where the last remnants of humanity struggle to survive.



The episode begins with the TARDIS landing at the end of the universe, an impossibly bleak and hostile setting. Humanity is on the verge of extinction, but hope remains in the form of "Utopia," a supposed safe haven. The plot introduces Professor Yana (Derek Jacobi), a brilliant and kind-hearted scientist trying to help the last humans escape to this utopia. His dynamic with the Doctor drives much of the emotional weight of the episode. The chemistry between Tennant and Jacobi is palpable, creating an intriguing mentor-mentee relationship.



The introduction of Captain Jack Harkness brings a burst of energy and humor. Jack, now immortal, provides levity but also adds layers of complexity, as his relationship with the Doctor has changed since their last encounter. His unrequited love for the Doctor and his interactions with Martha add to the emotional tension. Freema Agyeman's portrayal of Martha continues to be strong, as she grapples with her feelings of being overshadowed by Rose and now Jack.



The episode’s themes of hope and survival are underscored by the desperate situation humanity faces. The refugee camp is a grim depiction of mankind’s struggle, and Utopia becomes a symbol of salvation, despite its ambiguity. The human survivors are portrayed sympathetically, their belief in Utopia reflecting humanity’s eternal hope, even in the face of annihilation.



Visually, Utopia excels in creating a dystopian, apocalyptic atmosphere. The barren, ruined landscape and the creatures known as the Futurekind give the episode a sense of desperation and fear. The Futurekind, though not particularly complex villains, serve their purpose well as a representation of what humanity could become without hope. Their savage, animalistic nature contrasts sharply with the more hopeful tone surrounding Utopia.



The real heart of Utopia lies in the shocking twist near the end of the episode. Professor Yana’s revelation as the Master, the Doctor’s long-time nemesis, completely transforms the tone of the story. Derek Jacobi’s performance as Yana is touching and humble, which makes his transformation into the Master all the more chilling. The moment when he hears the sound of drums and realizes his true identity is a masterclass in acting, with Jacobi seamlessly shifting from kind mentor to menacing villain. The reveal is one of the most exciting and unexpected moments in Doctor Who history, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow.



The Master’s regeneration into John Simm also marks a turning point for the series. Simm’s portrayal of the Master is wild, charismatic, and utterly chaotic. His brief appearance at the end of Utopia teases the havoc he will soon wreak, leaving viewers on a cliffhanger that promises an epic showdown between him and the Doctor. The episode successfully builds tension, making the stakes feel incredibly high as the Master steals the TARDIS, leaving the Doctor, Martha, and Jack stranded at the end of time.



One of the episode’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of identity and memory. Yana’s struggle with his fragmented memories as the Master is both tragic and terrifying. The idea that someone could live their life as a good, kind person, only to discover they are a villain, raises profound questions about the nature of identity. Can someone escape their past, or are they doomed to repeat it? This theme resonates throughout the episode, adding layers of complexity to the plot.



Utopia is not without its flaws. The Futurekind, while visually menacing, lack depth and serve more as a plot device than fully realized antagonists. Additionally, the pacing can feel uneven at times, with the episode shifting from a slow, character-driven drama to an action-packed climax. However, these are minor criticisms in an otherwise gripping and emotionally charged story.



In conclusion, Utopia is an excellent episode that combines character development, emotional depth, and high-stakes action. David Tennant delivers a superb performance, balancing the Doctor’s compassion with his sense of dread as he confronts an old enemy. Derek Jacobi’s portrayal of Professor Yana is both touching and terrifying, culminating in one of the most memorable reveals in Doctor Who history. The reintroduction of the Master adds a new layer of excitement to the series, setting up an intense conflict between the Doctor and his greatest adversary.



Rating: 9/10



Utopia stands out as a pivotal episode in the Tenth Doctor’s era, blending dystopian sci-fi with personal drama and delivering one of the best cliffhangers in the series. Its exploration of hope, identity, and the consequences of one’s past make it a standout installment, and it effectively sets the stage for the epic finale to come.

Day 272 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 28 September 2024 reflections

Day 272, 28 September 2024



1) Matthew 1:18-25

Luke 2:1-40

Matthew 2

Luke 2:39-52

Mark 1:2-8

Matthew 3:1-12

Luke 3:1-18

Mark 1:9-11

Matthew 3:13-17

Luke 3:19-20

Luke 3:21-22

John 1:19-34



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.



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.



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.



Mark 1:2-8



2 (Mal 3:1; Mt 11:10; Lk 1:76) As it is written in the Prophets:

"Look, I am sending My messenger before Your face,

who will prepare Your way before You." [Mal 3:1].

3 (Mt 3:3) "The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

'Prepare the way of the Lord,

make His paths straight.' " [Isa 40:3].

4 (Lk 1:77) John came baptizing in the wilderness

and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

5 (Ac 19:18) The whole region of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem

went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River,

confessing their sins.

6 (Lev 11:22; 2Ki 1:8) John was clothed with camel's hair

and with a leather belt around his waist. And he ate locusts and wild honey.

7 (Ac 13:25; Jn 1:27) He preached saying, "After me is coming One mightier

than I, the straps of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

8 (Ac 1:5; Isa 44:3) I indeed have baptized you with water,

but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."



[2] As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before

thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

[3] The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the

Lord, make his paths straight.

[4] John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of

repentance for the remission of sins.

[5] And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of

Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan,

confessing their sins.

[6] And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin

about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

[7] And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the

latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

[8] I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with

the Holy Ghost.



Matthew 3:1-12



The Preaching of John the Baptist



Mk 1:1-8; Lk 3:1-9, 15-17; Jn 1:19-28



1 (Mt 11:11; 16:14) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching

in the wilderness of Judea,

2 (Mt 4:17; Da 2:44; Mt 6:10) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven

is at hand."

3 (Isa 40:3; Lk 1:76) For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah,

saying:

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

'Prepare the way of the Lord;

make His paths straight.' " [Isa 40:3].

4 (Lev 11:22; 2Ki 1:8) This same John had clothing made of camel's hair,

a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

5 (Mk 1:5) Then Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region

around the Jordan went out to him,

6 (Ac 19:18; Mt 3:11) and were baptized by him in the Jordan,

confessing their sins.

7 (Mt 12:34; 23:33) But when he saw many of the Pharisees

and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them,

"O generation of vipers, who has warned you to escape from the wrath to come?

8 (Ac 26:20; Jer 36:3) Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance,

9 (Lk 3:8; 16:24) and do not think to say within yourselves,

'We have Abraham as our father,' for I say to you that God is able

from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.

10 (Mt 7:19; Jn 15:2) Even now the axe is put to the tree roots.

Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down

and thrown into the fire.

11 (Ac 1:5; Lk 3:16; Isa 4:4) "I indeed baptize you with water to repentance,

but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy

to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

12 (Mal 4:1; Mt 13:30) His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly

clean His floor and gather His wheat into the granary,

but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."



[1] In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of

Judaea,

[2] And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

[3] For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The

voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make

his paths straight.

[4] And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle

about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

[5] Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round

about Jordan,

[6] And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

[7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism,

he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from

the wrath to come?

[8] Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

[9] And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father:

for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children

unto Abraham.

[10] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore

every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into

the fire.

[11] I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh

after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall

baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

[12] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and

gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with

unquenchable fire.



Luke 3:1-18



The Preaching of John the Baptist



Mt 3:1-12; Mk 1:1-8; Jn 1:19-28



1 (Mt 14:1; 27:2) In the fifteenth year of the reign of Caesar Tiberius,

Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee,

his brother Philip was tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Traconitis,

and Lysanias was the tetrarch of Abilene.

2 (Ac 4:6; Jn 18:24) Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests,

the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

3 (Lk 1:77) He came into the region surrounding the Jordan,

preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

4 (Isa 40:3-5; Jn 1:23) As it is written in the book of the words

of Isaiah the prophet, saying:

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

'Prepare the way of the Lord;

make His paths straight.

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

and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;

and the crooked shall be made straight

and the rough ways shall be made smooth;

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

[Gk. 2 assaria. An assarion was worth 1/16 of a denarius,

which was a day's wage.]

7 (Mt 23:33; 12:34) Then he said to the crowds that came out to be baptized

by him, "You children of vipers! Who warned you

to flee from the wrath to come?

8 (Jn 8:33; Ac 26:20) Therefore bear fruit worthy of repentance,

and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.'

For I say to you that God is able from these stones to raise up children

for Abraham.

9 (Mt 7:19; Lk 13:7) Even now the axe is put to the root of the trees.

Every tree therefore which does not bear good fruit is cut down

and thrown into the fire."

10 (Ac 2:37; 16:30) The people asked him, "What then must we do?"

11 (Da 4:27; Lk 18:22) John answered, "He who has two tunics, let him give

to him who has none. And he who has food, let him do likewise."

12 (Lk 7:29) Then tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him,

"Teacher, what must we do?"

13 (Lk 19:8) He said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed you."

14 (Ex 23:1; 20:16) Then the soldiers likewise demanded of him,

"And what must we do?"

He said to them, "Do no violence to anyone nor accuse any falsely,

and be content with your wages."

15 As the people were in expectation, and everyone reflected in their hearts

upon John, whether he might be the Christ or not,

16 (Ac 1:5; Mt 3:11) John answered them all, "I indeed baptize you

with water. But One mightier than I is coming, the strings of whose shoes

I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit

and with fire.

17 (Mt 13:30; Isa 30:24) His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly

cleanse His threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into His granary.

But He will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire."

18 Then he preached many other things in his exhortation to the people.



[1] Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius

Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and

his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and

Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

[2] Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto

John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

[3] And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of

repentance for the remission of sins;

[4] As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying,

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight.

[5] Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be

brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways

shall be made smooth;

[6] And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

[7] Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O

generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

[8] Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say

within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That

God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

[9] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree

therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into

the fire.

[10] And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

[11] He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him

impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

[12] Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master,

what shall we do?

[13] And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

[14] And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we

do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any

falsely; and be content with your wages.

[15] And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their

hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

[16] John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water;

but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy

to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

[17] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and

will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire

unquenchable.

[18] And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.



Mark 1:9-11



The Baptism of Jesus



Mt 3:13-17; Lk 3:21-22



9 (Mt 2:23) In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee

and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

10 (Isa 64:1; Mt 3:16) Coming up out of the water,

He immediately saw the heavens opened and the Spirit

descending on Him like a dove.

11 (Ps 2:7; Isa 42:1) And a voice came from heaven, saying,

"You are My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."



[9] And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of

Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

[10] And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens

opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

[11] And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved

Son, in whom I am well pleased.



Matthew 3:13-17



The Baptism of Jesus



Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-22



13 (Mt 2:22) Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan

to be baptised by him.

14 But John prohibited Him, saying,

"I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?"

15 (Ps 40:7-8; Jn 4:34) But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now,

for it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he permitted Him.

16 (Isa 11:2; 42:1) And when Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately

out of the water. And suddenly the heavens were opened to Him,

and He saw the Spirit of God descending on Him like a dove.

17 (Ps 2:7; Mt 17:5; Isa 42:1) And a voice came from heaven, saying,

"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."



[13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of

him.

[14] But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and

comest thou to me?

[15] And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it

becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

[16] And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:

and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God

descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

[17] And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I

am well pleased.



Luke 3:19-20



19 (Mk 6:17-18; Lk 3:1) But Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked by him

because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils

which Herod had done,

20 added also this above them all: He locked John up in prison.



[19] But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother

Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,

[20] Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.





Luke 3:21-22



The Baptism of Jesus



Mt 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-11



21 (Jn 1:32-34; Mt 3:13-17) Now when all the people were baptized,

and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,

the heavens were opened,

22 (Ps 2:7; Isa 42:1) and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form

like a dove on Him, and a voice came from heaven which said,

"You are My beloved Son. In You I am well pleased."



[21] Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also

being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

[22] And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him,

and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I

am well pleased.



John 1:19-34



The Testimony of John the Baptist



Mt 3:1-12; Mk 1:2-8; Lk 3:15-17



19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests

and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"

20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

21 They asked him, "Who then? Are you Elijah?"

He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."

22 They said to him then, "Who are you? Tell us so that we may give

an answer to those who sent us. What do you say concerning yourself?"

23 John said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,

'Make straight the way of the Lord,' just as the prophet Isaiah said."

24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees.

25 They asked him, "Why do you baptise then, if you are not the Christ,

nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"

26 John answered them, "I baptize with water, but One stands among you,

whom you do not know.

27 This is He who comes after me, who is preferred before me,

the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie."

28 These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan,

where John was baptizing.



[19] And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites

from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

[20] And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

[21] And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not.

Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

[22] Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to

them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

[23] He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight

the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

[24] And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

[25] And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou

be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

[26] John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth

one among you, whom ye know not;

[27] He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's

latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

[28] These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was

baptizing.



The Lamb of God



29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb

of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

30 This is He of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who is preferred

before me, for He was before me.'

31 I did not know Him, but for this reason I came baptizing with water:

so that He might be revealed to Israel."

32 Then John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending

from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him.

33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me,

'The One on whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining,

this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

34 I have seen and have borne witness that He is the Son of God."



[29] The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the

Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

[30] This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred

before me: for he was before me.

[31] And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel,

therefore am I come baptizing with water.

[32] And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven

like a dove, and it abode upon him.

[33] And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same

said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining

on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

[34] And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.



2) Our Daily Bread for 28 September 2024 titled

Search and Rescue



Galatians 1:1-5



Salutation



1 (Ac 9:6; 22:10) Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man,

but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead),

2 (1Co 16:1; Php 4:21)and all the brothers who are with me,

To the churches of Galatia:

3 (1Co 1:3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ,

4 (Php 4:20; Mt 20:28) who gave Himself for our sins,

that He might deliver us from this present evil age,

according to the will of our God and Father,

5 (Ro 11:36)to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.



[1] Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and

God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

[2] And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

[3] Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus

Christ,

[4] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this

present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

[5] To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.



Some friends went boating in the English Channel, hoping the forecast for

stormy weather would change. But the winds rose, and the waves became choppy,

threatening the safety of their vessel, so they radioed for help to the RNLI

(the Royal National Lifeboat Institution). After some tense moments, they

spotted their rescuers in the distance and realized with relief they'd soon be

safe. As my friend reflected gratefully afterward, "Whether or not people

ignore the rules of the sea, the RNLI still comes to the rescue."



As he recounted the story, I thought about how Jesus leads God's

search-and-rescue mission. He came to earth to become a man, living as one of

us. Through His death and resurrection, He provided us with a rescue plan when

our sin and disobedience separated us from God. This truth is emphasised by

Paul, when writing to the church at Galatia:

"Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus

Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this"

(Galatians 1:3-4). Paul reminded the Galatians of the gift of new life they

received through Jesus' death so that they would honor God day by day.



Jesus, our rescuer, willingly died to save us from being lost. Because He did,

we have life in the kingdom of God, and in gratitude we can share

the life-saving news with those in our community.



By: Amy Boucher Pye



Reflect & Pray



How do you express thanks for your rescue?

With whom can you share the good news?



Dear Jesus, You give the gift of life and salvation.

Please help me to receive Your love and give it to others.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 7 Our God reigns!



Is 52:7



7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,

who proclaims peace, who brings good news of happiness,

who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"



7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good

tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that

publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!



A messenger has a single duty: to carry information. During World War II, many

parents dreaded the arrival of the Western Union messenger, believing that

delivery of a telegram meant that their son has been wounded or killed.

Isaiah 52:7, however, indicates that a messenger's word is not always

unwelcome. "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring

good news ..." the prophet says. The "Good news"? Peace , salvation,

and the resultant message: "Your God reigns!"

Our God reigns - in forgiveness, in reconciliation, bringing peace and freedom

and joy. Our God reigns, controlling our lives with a loving hand, ordering

our experiences for our good, and his glory. Our God reigns in relationships,

in professional circumstances, in families, in churches. The good news is

proclaimed: Life is not unmanageable. Our God Reigns!

When we know that God reigns in our lives, we can relax, let go of the reins

of control, and live in peace. We can forgive those who have hurt us, knowing

that God will reveal to them what they need to know. We can live

with good times and bad, recognising that God uses every circumstance

of our lives to conform us to the image of his Son. We can rejoice in his

grace, free from the compulsion to earn his love and acceptance, and

we can live in the peace that comes only through his lordship in our lives.

Our God reigns - that is , indeed "Good news".



Application



a) Have I ever felt that life was "out of control"? Why?



b) What does it mean in practical terms to know that "Our God reigns"?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Is 55:11



11 (Isa 45:23; 46:10) so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please,

and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.



11 so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:

it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please,

and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.



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



When you are ill or injured



James 5:13-16



13 (Ps 50:15; Eph 5:19) Is anyone among you suffering?

Let him pray. Is anyone merry? Let him sing psalms.

14 (Mk 6:13; 16:18; Ac 14:23) Is anyone sick among you?

Let him call for the elders of the church,

and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil

in the name of the Lord.

15 (Isa 33:24; Jas 1:6) And the prayer of faith will save

the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.

And if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.

16 (Ge 20:17; 18:23-32) Confess your faults to one another

and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.



13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.

Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church;

and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

15 and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise

him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another,

that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man

availeth much.



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 2022 edition?)



Nova Scotia



Total population 942700

Muslim population (est.) 14629



With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is

a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,

a harvest field in itself.

Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia

with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas

(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques

in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.



Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of

newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration

has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic

is the second most spoken language in Halifax.



while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000

in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population

somewhere between 25000 to 30000.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



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

"What does this mean?"

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



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



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

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

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

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

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

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

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



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



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



http://www.ehc.ca



Day 28 of the Month



a) Pray for new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear

and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.



(



John 5:24



24 (Jn 3:18; 1Jn 3:14; Jn 3:36) "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever

hears My word and believes in Him who sent

Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation,

but has passed from death into life."



24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word,

and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life,

and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.



)



b) Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you

know today . (



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.



)





Pray to the Lord and pray to be thankful for coming into this world

and his humble example.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, You give the gift of life and salvation.

Please help me to receive Your love and give it to others."



Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him that He is in control.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know his Word will not return void.



Pray to the Lord and pray for healing among the congregation.



Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- 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 new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear

and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you know today .



Pray that Christians in DR Congo who have fled from the country's

internal confllict will have all their needs met.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

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



Remember eternity starts now -

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

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - Blink

**Doctor Who: Blink** is widely regarded as one of the greatest Doctor Who episodes, and for good reason. This episode is a masterclass in suspense, storytelling, and innovation, introducing one of the most terrifying villains in the show’s history: the Weeping Angels. Written by Steven Moffat, Blink excels in its use of minimal Doctor involvement, focusing instead on Sally Sparrow (played by Carey Mulligan), who unknowingly becomes entangled in a time-travel mystery with the Doctor.



The episode begins with Sally investigating an old, abandoned house where she encounters cryptic messages written to her, seemingly from the past. From the moment Sally reads the messages warning her about the Weeping Angels, the atmosphere is charged with suspense. The Angels are quantum-locked creatures—statues that can only move when they aren’t being observed. The concept is simple but terrifying: don’t blink, or they’ll come after you.



Carey Mulligan’s portrayal of Sally Sparrow is the heart of this episode. She’s a resourceful, intelligent, and brave protagonist who essentially takes the lead role, as the Doctor is largely absent, appearing only in pre-recorded messages. Mulligan’s performance is emotionally engaging, making Sally one of the most memorable one-off characters in the show’s history. Her curiosity drives the plot forward, and her sense of determination makes her a relatable hero.



The writing is sharp, witty, and layered with clever time-travel mechanics. Steven Moffat masterfully weaves a complex narrative where every detail, from the Doctor’s cryptic DVD messages to the seemingly unrelated plot points, come together in a satisfying conclusion. The dialogue between Sally and the Doctor, albeit recorded, is sharp and engaging, and their interactions feel natural despite the unconventional communication.



The Weeping Angels are, without a doubt, one of the scariest monsters introduced in *Doctor Who*. Their method of attack—moving only when unobserved—creates an intense feeling of paranoia. The horror comes not from outright violence but from the unnerving psychological terror. The Angels don’t kill their victims in a traditional sense; instead, they send them back in time, feeding off the potential energy of their lost futures. This idea is both tragic and terrifying, giving the Angels a unique place in the show’s mythology.



Visually, the Weeping Angels are chilling. Their statue form is both serene and menacing, and the practical effects used to bring them to life are highly effective. The direction by Hettie MacDonald is excellent, with tight pacing and tense camera work that heightens the fear factor. The episode makes great use of shadow and light, playing into the idea that danger lurks just out of sight. The editing, particularly in scenes where the Angels are slowly advancing, builds an almost unbearable tension.



Another standout character is Larry Nightingale (Finlay Robertson), who provides comic relief while also serving as a crucial part of the story. His quirky obsession with the Easter egg messages hidden in DVDs plays a key role in unlocking the mystery of the Doctor’s messages. The chemistry between Sally and Larry is understated but endearing, adding a layer of emotional depth to the episode.



The use of time-travel in Blink is expertly done, creating a story that feels intricate without becoming confusing. The Doctor and Martha’s predicament of being stranded in 1969 provides a clever backdrop, allowing the narrative to explore the consequences of time manipulation. The Doctor’s solution to the Weeping Angels, using a recording of himself from the past to communicate with Sally, is a stroke of genius, showcasing his resourcefulness even when he’s off-screen.



Thematically, Blink touches on ideas of fate, loss, and the passage of time. The Weeping Angels don’t kill their victims in a violent way, but by sending them to live out their lives in another era, they rob them of the futures they might have had. This makes the Angels more tragic than pure evil, and the episode’s exploration of these themes is subtle but impactful.



One of the most iconic lines in modern Doctor Who comes from this episode: “The angels have the phone box.” This phrase, while seemingly trivial, has become emblematic of the episode’s lasting impact. It represents the cleverness and wit that defines Doctor Who at its best.



If there’s any criticism to be made of *Blink*, it’s that the Doctor and Martha are somewhat sidelined. For fans expecting a more traditional Doctor-centric episode, this might feel like a departure. However, this choice works in the episode’s favor, allowing Sally Sparrow to shine as the protagonist and proving that the show can tell compelling stories even when the Doctor is not at the forefront.



Overall, Blink is a near-perfect episode of *Doctor Who*. It blends horror, science fiction, and emotional storytelling in a way that few other episodes do. Steven Moffat’s writing is razor-sharp, the direction is flawless, and the performances—particularly from Carey Mulligan—are exceptional. The Weeping Angels are an iconic addition to the show’s rogues' gallery, and the episode’s standalone nature makes it accessible to both new viewers and long-time fans.



In conclusion, Blink stands as one of the greatest episodes not only of the Tenth Doctor’s era but in the entire Doctor Who canon. It is a masterpiece of suspense, storytelling, and character work, delivering a thrilling, emotional, and terrifying experience that lingers long after the credits roll.



---



**Rating: 10/10**



Blink is a flawless episode of *Doctor Who*, combining horror, humor, and heart in a way that leaves a lasting impact. Its clever writing, unforgettable monsters, and standout performances make it a timeless classic.

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - The Empty Child

**Doctor Who: The Empty Child** is a chilling and atmospheric episode that marks a significant departure from the series' typical tone. Set in post-war London, the story revolves around a mysterious gas mask-wearing child who haunts the city streets.



**Key strengths:**



**Horrific atmosphere:** The episode masterfully creates a sense of dread and suspense, with the child's haunting presence and the desolate city backdrop adding to the chilling atmosphere.

**Strong character moments:** The Doctor and Rose's interactions are particularly compelling, as they grapple with the terrifying situation and try to uncover the truth behind the child's existence.

**Unexpected twists:** The episode's plot takes a surprising turn, revealing a horrifying truth that is both shocking and thought-provoking.

**Introduction of Captain Jack Harkness:** The episode also marks the introduction of the charismatic and enigmatic Captain Jack Harkness, who quickly becomes a fan favorite.



**Potential weaknesses:**



**Some pacing issues:** The episode's slow build-up might not appeal to all viewers, as it takes some time to establish the eerie atmosphere.

**The ending:** While the ending is satisfying, some viewers may find it a bit rushed and abrupt.



**Overall, Doctor Who: The Empty Child is a must-watch episode for fans of the series and horror enthusiasts alike.** Its chilling atmosphere, strong characters, and unexpected twists make it one of the most memorable episodes in the show's history.



**Rating: 9/10**

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - The Empty Child

**Doctor Who: The Empty Child** is a chilling and atmospheric episode that marks a significant departure from the series' typical tone. Set in post-war London, the story revolves around a mysterious gas mask-wearing child who haunts the city streets.



**Key strengths:**



**Horrific atmosphere:** The episode masterfully creates a sense of dread and suspense, with the child's haunting presence and the desolate city backdrop adding to the chilling atmosphere.

**Strong character moments:** The Doctor and Rose's interactions are particularly compelling, as they grapple with the terrifying situation and try to uncover the truth behind the child's existence.

**Unexpected twists:** The episode's plot takes a surprising turn, revealing a horrifying truth that is both shocking and thought-provoking.

**Introduction of Captain Jack Harkness:** The episode also marks the introduction of the charismatic and enigmatic Captain Jack Harkness, who quickly becomes a fan favorite.



**Potential weaknesses:**



**Some pacing issues:** The episode's slow build-up might not appeal to all viewers, as it takes some time to establish the eerie atmosphere.

**The ending:** While the ending is satisfying, some viewers may find it a bit rushed and abrupt.



**Overall, Doctor Who: The Empty Child is a must-watch episode for fans of the series and horror enthusiasts alike.** Its chilling atmosphere, strong characters, and unexpected twists make it one of the most memorable episodes in the show's history.



**Rating: 9/10**

Day 271 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 27 September 2024 reflections

Day 271, 27 September 2024



1) Mark 1:1,Luke 1:1-4,John 1:1-18,Matthew 1:1-17,Luke 1:5-80



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.



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."





[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.



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.



[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.

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."



[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.



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.



[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.



2) Our Daily Bread for 27 September 2024 titled



Reckless and Careless




Proverbs 14:7-16



7 Go from the presence of a foolish man,

when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,

but the folly of fools is deceit.

9 (Pr 10:23) Fools make a mock at sin,

but among the righteous there is favor.

10 (1Sa 1:10) The heart knows its own bitterness,

and a stranger does not share its joy.

11 (Job 8:15; Pr 3:33) The house of the wicked will be overthrown,

but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 (Pr 16:25; 12:15; Ro 6:21) There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way of death.

13 (Ecc 2:2 ) Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful,

and the end of that cheer is grief.

14 (Pr 12:14 )The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways,

but a good man will be satisfied with his.

15 The simple believes every word,

but the prudent man considers his steps.

16 (Pr 22:3; 3:7) A wise man fears and departs from evil,

but the fool rages and is ­self-confident.



7 Go from the presence of a foolish man,

When thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way:

But the folly of fools is deceit.

9 Fools make a mock at sin:

But among the righteous there is favour.

10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness;

And a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown:

But the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,

But the end thereof are the ways of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful;

And the end of that mirth is heaviness.

14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways:

And a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

15 The simple believeth every word:

But the prudent man looketh well to his going.

16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil:

But the fool rageth, and is confident.



Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, is a tidal island in England connected

to the mainland by a narrow road. Twice a day, the sea covers the causeway.

Signs alert visitors to the dangers of crossing during high tide. Yet,

tourists regularly disregard the warnings and often end up sitting atop

submerged cars or swimming to raised safety huts where they can be rescued.

The tide is predictable, as sure as the rising sun. And warnings are

everywhere; you can't possibly miss them. Yet, as one writer described,

Lindisfarne is "where the reckless try to outrace the tide."



Proverbs tells us that it's foolish to be "reckless and careless" (14:16 esv).

A reckless person has little regard for wisdom or wise counsel and doesn't

practice attentiveness or diligent care for others (vv. 7-8). Wisdom, however,

slows us down to listen and ponder so that we're not carried away by rash

emotions or half-baked ideas (v. 16). Wisdom teaches us to ask good questions

and consider the implications of our actions. While reckless people charge

forward with little regard for relationships or consequences-or often truth-

"prudent [people] give thought to their steps=" (v. 15).



While we'll sometimes need to act decisively or swiftly, we can resist

recklessness. As we receive and practice God's wisdom,

He'll give us the guidance we need when we need it.



By: Winn Collier





Reflect & Pray



Where have you seen reckless living? How can you avoid living recklessly?



Dear God, we live in a reckless world.

Please help me to be wise and live well.



For further study, read Better than Gold:

The Life-Changing Wisdom of the Bible.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 6 Reconciliation



2 Cor 5:18-19



18 All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ

and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation,

19 that is, that God was

in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins

against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.



18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus

Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.



When Paul writes in 2 Cor 5:17 that we become a "new creation" in Christ

Jesus, the story does not end there. The verses following give us direction

for tht new life in Christ. "All This", Paul says, referring to the miracle of

new life in Christ, "is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ

and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

Reconciliation means to bring back together what was once separated. Man was

separated from God by sin, and God took the initiative to reconcile man to

himself. Our "ministry of reconciliation" as Christians is twofold: to draw

others to the Lord and to work for reconciliation between individuals.

Reconciliation is the ultimate goal of forgiveness. God, through his grace ,

extends forgiveness to us when we are still sinners, unrepentant,

undeserving. When we respond, we come into reconciliation with him

and are brought back into oneness. Likewise, when we extend the grace

of forgiveness to another, we are set free by the act of forgiving, but we

hope that the ultimate outcome will be reconciliation.

God shows us the pattern: he is the wronged party, yet he does not wait for

the offender to come to him, hat in hand. He takes a bold initiative, offering

forgiveness freely with out regard to merit. The pattern applies to us;

as the new life in Christ takes hold of us, we must reach out, and reach,

and keep on reaching, breaking down the barriers, taking the risk of

rejection so that we may come to reconciliation.



Application



a) What barriers stand between me and reconciliation with another person?



b) How can I take a risk and reach out to offer forgiveness and

reconciliation to them?



c) What kind of attitude do I need to be a "minister of reconciliation"?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Deut 29:9



9 (Dt 4:6; Jos 1:7)Therefore, keep the words of this covenant

and do them, so that you may prosper in all you do.



9 Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them,

that ye may prosper in all that ye do.



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



When you are ill or injured



Psalm 103:1-5



1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits,

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

who heals all your diseases,

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

who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

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

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



1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;

Who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;

Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;

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



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 2022 edition?)



Nova Scotia



Total population 942700

Muslim population (est.) 14629



With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is

a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,

a harvest field in itself.

Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia

with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas

(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques

in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.



Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of

newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration

has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic

is the second most spoken language in Halifax.



while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000

in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population

somewhere between 25000 to 30000.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



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

"What does this mean?"

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



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



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

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

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

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

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

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

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



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



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



http://www.ehc.ca



Day 27 of the Month



a) Pray that God's Spirit will melt the pride that causes many to

hold to wrong opinions of Christ and His Salvation.



(



2 Cor 10:4-5



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,



4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,

but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5casting 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;



)



b) Pray that the Lord will awaken a desire in the hearts of those who

are lost to seek Him and to seek The Truth.





Pray to the Lord and pray never to doubt the Lord's Word.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, we live in a reckless world.

Please help me to be wise and live well."



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a minister of reconciliation.



Pray to the Lord and pray to keep His Covenant.



Pray to the Lord and pray Hm who can forgive your sins.



Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray that God's Spirit will melt the pride that causes many to

hold to wrong opinions of Christ and His Salvation.



Pray that the Lord will awaken a desire in the hearts of those who

are lost to seek Him and to seek The Truth.



Pray for the protection of bold believers in Myanmar who are sharing

their faith despite the risk of increased hostility.



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.

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - Father's Day

**Doctor Who: Father's Day** is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that delves into the complexities of time travel and the emotional weight of loss. The episode revolves around Rose Tyler's desire to save her father's life, leading to a dangerous paradox that threatens to unravel the fabric of reality.



**Key strengths of the episode:**



**Emotional depth:** The episode explores themes of love, loss, and regret with a powerful emotional resonance. Rose's connection with her father is deeply touching, and the actors deliver compelling performances.

**Time travel exploration:** The episode offers a fascinating exploration of time travel, showcasing both its potential benefits and its inherent dangers. The paradox created by Rose's actions raises intriguing questions about causality and the consequences of altering the past.

**Character development:** The episode further develops the relationship between the Doctor and Rose, showcasing their growing trust and understanding. The Doctor's unwavering determination to resolve the paradox highlights his compassionate nature.



**Potential weaknesses:**



**Some pacing issues:** The middle section of the episode might feel a bit slow-paced as the characters wait for the inevitable consequences of Rose's actions.

* **The ending:** While the ending is emotionally satisfying, some viewers may find it somewhat predictable.



**Overall, Doctor Who: Father's Day is a compelling and memorable episode that effectively blends emotional storytelling with thought-provoking science fiction.** It's a must-watch for fans of the series and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of time travel and the human condition.



**Rating: 8/10**

ChatPGT reviews Doctor Who - Family of Blood

Here’s a review of *Doctor Who: The Family of Blood*, limited to 59 characters per line and within 900 to 1000 words:



---



The Family of Blood is a direct continuation of Human Nature and delivers a deeply emotional and satisfying conclusion to the story. Picking up where the previous episode left off, the tension escalates as the Family of Blood, an alien family in pursuit of the Doctor’s Time Lord essence, brings their full force against the boarding school where John Smith, the Doctor’s human persona, has been living. This episode not only maintains the intense emotional stakes of its predecessor but also raises profound questions about sacrifice, identity, and the consequences of the Doctor’s actions.



At the heart of The Family of Blood is the agonizing choice John Smith must make. He has lived as a human for several months, forming real relationships, most notably with Joan Redfern, the school nurse. Now, he is faced with the knowledge that he must give up his life as John Smith in order to become the Doctor again and stop the Family of Blood. David Tennant delivers a stunning performance, portraying John Smith’s confusion, fear, and grief with heartbreaking authenticity. The internal conflict Smith faces is deeply compelling—he is not simply a vessel for the Doctor’s survival but a fully realized individual who wants to continue his life, fall in love, and be human.



The relationship between John Smith and Joan Redfern (played by Jessica Hynes) takes center stage in this episode. Joan’s discovery of Smith’s true identity is handled with great sensitivity. She is devastated to learn that the man she loves is not truly human and that their future together is an illusion. Jessica Hynes excels in these scenes, conveying Joan’s mixture of disbelief, sorrow, and ultimately, strength. Her confrontation with the Doctor after he returns to his Time Lord self is one of the most powerful moments of the episode. Joan’s quiet condemnation of the Doctor’s actions—of creating a man who never should have existed—is devastating.



Freema Agyeman continues to shine as Martha Jones, who plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Doctor is able to return to his true form. Martha’s loyalty and courage are on full display as she stands by the Doctor’s side, even as she watches him fall in love with someone else. The episode also gives Martha moments of heroism, particularly in her interactions with the schoolboys. Her resolve and quick thinking help rally the students to defend themselves, showcasing her growth as a companion.



One of the standout aspects of The Family of Blood is its exploration of morality and the consequences of power. The Family of Blood, desperate for immortality, is a ruthless enemy, willing to destroy everything in their path to achieve their goal. However, the episode also makes clear that the Doctor’s actions have far-reaching consequences. By hiding as a human, he inadvertently creates suffering for both the Family and those caught in the crossfire. The Doctor’s final punishment of the Family—trapping them in various eternal fates—is both chilling and awe-inspiring, demonstrating the darker, god-like aspect of his character.



The episode also continues to explore themes of war and sacrifice, particularly through the character of Tim Latimer, a student at the boarding school. Latimer, played by Thomas Sangster, possesses the Doctor’s watch and experiences visions of the future, including the horrors of World War I. His arc serves as a reminder of the cost of war and the innocence lost in the process. Latimer’s decision to return the watch to the Doctor and his eventual survival of the war provide a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy of the story.



The Family of Blood themselves, led by Son of Mine (Harry Lloyd), are an intimidating and relentless force. The scarecrow army they command adds a nightmarish quality to the episode, creating a sense of inevitable doom as they attack the school. Harry Lloyd’s performance as Son of Mine is particularly striking, as he balances charm with menace, making him a memorable villain. The Family’s motivations, driven by their desire for immortality, make them both terrifying and tragic, as they are ultimately punished for their greed in ways that mirror the Doctor’s own fears of eternal life.



Visually, The Family of Blood is stunning, with its period setting of 1913 England beautifully rendered. The rural countryside, the old boarding school, and the looming sense of war create an evocative atmosphere. Director Charles Palmer uses the setting to great effect, contrasting the peaceful, pastoral environment with the growing threat of the Family’s attack. The scenes of the schoolboys taking up arms, believing themselves to be heroic soldiers, are particularly poignant, as they foreshadow the real war they will soon face.



The episode’s pacing is tight, with the tension building steadily throughout. The combination of action, emotional drama, and philosophical reflection makes for a rich and engaging story. The climax, in which the Doctor returns and exacts his punishment on the Family, is both satisfying and unsettling. The Doctor’s almost mythic power is on full display here, as he sentences the Family to eternal fates that are both just and terrifying.



In conclusion, The Family of Blood is a deeply moving and thought-provoking episode that explores the nature of identity, sacrifice, and the consequences of power. David Tennant gives one of his finest performances as both John Smith and the Doctor, while Jessica Hynes and Freema Agyeman provide emotional depth to the story. The episode’s themes of love, loss, and the horrors of war resonate long after the credits roll, making it one of the standout episodes of the Doctor Who series.



---



Rating: 9.5/10



The Family of Blood is a near-perfect conclusion to a two-part story that delves into the Doctor’s humanity and the moral weight of his choices. The performances, writing, and emotional depth make it one of the best episodes of the Tenth Doctor’s era.

Day 270 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 26 September 2024 reflections

Day 270, 26 September 2024



1) Malachi 1,2,3,4

Malachi 1



1 (Isa 13:1; Hab 1:1) The oracle of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.

[1] The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.



Israel Preferred to Edom



2 (Jer 31:3; Isa 41:8-9) I have loved you, says the Lord.

But you say, "How have You loved us?"

Was not Esau Jacob's brother? says the Lord. Yet I have loved Jacob;

3 (Jer 49:16-18; Eze 35:3-4) but Esau I have hated, and I have made

his mountains a desolation and left his inheritance for the jackals

of the desert.

4 (Isa 9:9-10; Eze 25:14) Whereas Edom says, "We are impoverished,

but we will rebuild the ruins," thus says the Lord of Hosts: They may build,

but I will tear down. They will be called the Wicked Territory,

and the people against whom the Lord has indignation forever.

5 Your eyes will see this, and you will say, "

Great is the Lord, beyond the border of Israel!"



[2] I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou

loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,

[3] And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for

the dragons of the wilderness.

[4] Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and

build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall

build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of

wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.

[5] And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The LORD will be

magnified from the border of Israel.



Profane Offerings



6 (Lk 6:46; Ex 20:12) A son honors his father, and a servant his master.

If then I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master,

where is My fear? says the Lord of Hosts to you, O priests,

who despise My name.

But you say, "How have we despised Your name?"

7 (Mal 1:12) You offer defiled food on My altar, but say,

"How have we defiled You?"

By saying, "The table of the Lord is contemptible."

8 (Dt 15:21) When you offer the blind as a sacrifice, is it not evil?

When you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil?

Offer it now to your governor! Would he be pleased with you,

or accept you? says the Lord of Hosts.

9 (Jer 27:18) But now entreat God's favour, that He may be gracious to us.

With such offerings from your hands, will He accept you favorably?

says the Lord of Hosts.

10 (Jer 6:20) Who is there among you who would shut the doors, that you might

not kindle fire on My altar in vain? I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord

of Hosts, nor will I accept an offering from your hand.

11 (Isa 66:19-20; 45:6) For from the rising of the sun to its setting,

My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be

offered to My name, and a pure offering. For My name will be great among

the nations, says the Lord of Hosts.

12 But you profane it, in that you say, "The table of the Lord is defiled,

and its fruit, that is, its food is contemptible."

13 (Mic 6:3) You also say, "What a weariness it is," and you snort at it,

says the Lord of Hosts.

You bring in what is stolen, the lame, or the sick;

thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?

says the Lord.

14 (Zec 14:9; Ps 47:2) But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock

a male, and vows, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished.

For I am a great king, says the Lord of Hosts,

and My name is to be feared among the nations.



[6] A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a

father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear?

saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And

ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

[7] Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we

polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible.

[8] And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye

offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor;

will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.

[9] And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us:

this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of

hosts.

[10] Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought?

neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in

you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your

hand.

[11] For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my

name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be

offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among

the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

[12] But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD is

polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.

[13] Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at

it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the

lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of

your hand? saith the LORD.

[14] But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth,

and sacrificeth unto the LORD a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith

the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.



Malachi 2



Divine Warnings to the Priests



1 (Mal 1:6) And now, O priests, this commandment is for you.

2 (Mal 3:9; Ps 69:22) If you will not listen, and if you will not take it

to heart to give honour to My name, says the Lord of Hosts,

I will send a curse on you and I will curse your blessings.

Yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart.

3 (Na 3:6; Ex 29:14) I rebuke your descendants, and spread refuse

on your faces, the refuse of your solemn feasts, and you will be taken

away with it.

4 And you will know that I have sent this command to you,

that My covenant with Levi may remain, says the Lord of Hosts.

5 (Nu 25:12-13) My covenant with him was for life and peace,

and I gave them to him. With awe he feared Me,

and he was reverent before My name.

6 (Jer 23:22; Da 12:3) True instruction was in his mouth,

and injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace

and with uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity.

7 (Lev 10:11; Jer 18:18) For a priest's lips should preserve knowledge,

and people should seek the law from his mouth; for he is the messenger

of the Lord of Hosts.

8 (Jer 18:15; 1Sa 2:17) But you have departed from the way. You have caused

many to stumble at the law. You have violated the covenant of Levi,

says the Lord of Hosts.

9 (Dt 1:17; 1Sa 2:30) So I have made you contemptible

and base before all the people, because you have not kept My ways,

but have shown partiality in the law.



[1] And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you.

[2] If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory

unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you,

and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye

do not lay it to heart.

[3] Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even

the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.

[4] And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my

covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

[5] My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for

the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.

[6] The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his

lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from

iniquity.

[7] For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the

law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

[8] But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at

the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

[9] Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the

people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the

law.



The Covenant Profaned



10 (1Co 8:6; Isa 63:16) Have we not all one Father?

Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another,

by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

11 (Ezr 9:1-2) Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination

has been committed in Israel and Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned

the sanctuary of the Lord, which He loves, and has married the daughter

of a foreign god.

12 May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob any descendant

of the man who does this, teacher and student, yet who brings an offering

to the Lord of Hosts.

13 This is the second thing you do: You cover the altar of the Lord

with tears, with weeping and crying out, because He no longer regards

the offering, nor receives it with good will from your hand.

14 (Isa 54:6; Mal 3:5) Yet you say, "Why?" It is because the Lord

has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth,

against whom you have dealt treacherously. Yet she is your companion

and your wife by covenant.

15 (Mt 19:4-6; 1Co 7:14) Did He not make them one, having a remnant

of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring.

So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.

16 (Mt 5:31-32; Lk 16:18) For the Lord, the God of Israel,

says that He hates divorce; for it covers one's garment with violence,

says the Lord of Hosts.

Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.



[10] Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal

treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of

our fathers?

[11] Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in

Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD

which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.

[12] The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the

scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering

unto the LORD of hosts.

[13] And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears,

with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the

offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.

[14] Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee

and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet

is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

[15] And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And

wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your

spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

[16] For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for

one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore

take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.



Injustice Committed



17 (Isa 43:24; Zep 1:12) You have wearied the Lord with your words.

Yet you say, "How have we wearied Him?"

When you say, "Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord,

and He delights in them," or, "Where is the God of justice?"



[17] Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we

wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of

the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?



Malachi 3



The Coming Messenger



1 (Mal 4:5; Isa 63:9) I will send My messenger, and he will prepare

the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come

to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant,

in whom you delight. He is coming, says the Lord of Hosts.

2 (Zec 13:9; Rev 6:17) But who can endure the day of his coming,

and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire

and like fullers' soap.

3 (Isa 1:25; Da 12:10) He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver;

he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them like gold and silver,

and they will present to the Lord offerings in righteousness.

4 (2Ch 7:1-3) Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant

to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

5 (Lev 19:13; Dt 24:17) Then I will draw near to you for judgment.

I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers,

against the perjurers, against those who oppress the hired worker

in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who turn aside

the stranger, and do not fear Me, says the Lord of Hosts.



[1] Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before

me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to this temple, even the

messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith

the LORD of hosts.

[2] But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he

appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

[3] And he shall sit as a refiner and purifer of silver: and he shall purify

the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer

unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

[4] Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the

LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

[5] And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness

against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false

swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the

widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right,

and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.



Withholding Tithes



6 (Nu 23:19; Jas 1:17; Heb 13:8) For I am the Lord, I do not change;

therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

7 (Zec 1:3) From the days of your fathers you have gone away from

My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return

to you, says the Lord of Hosts.

But you say, "How shall we return?"

8 Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me.

But you say, "How have we robbed You?"

In tithes and offerings.

9 (Mal 2:2) You are cursed with a curse, your whole nation,

for you are robbing Me.

10 (Ge 7:11; 2Ki 7:2) Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,

that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,

says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open for you the windows

of heaven and pour out for you a blessing, that there will not be room

enough to receive it.

11 I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that it will not

estroy the fruit of your ground, and the vines in your field will not

fail to bear fruit, says the Lord of Hosts.

12 (Isa 61:9; 62:4) Then all the nations will call you blessed,

for you will be a delightful land, says the Lord of Hosts.

13 (Mal 2:17) Your words have been hard against Me, says the Lord.

Yet you say, "What have we spoken against You?"

14 (Isa 58:3; Zep 1:12) You said, "It is vain to serve God.

What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance,

and that we have walked as mourners before the Lord of Hosts?

15 (Mal 4:1; Ps 95:9) And now we call the proud blessed,

for those who do wickedness are built up; they even test God and escape."



[6] For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not

consumed.

[7] Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine

ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto

you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

[8] Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we

robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

[9] Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole

nation.

[10] Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in

mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will

not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there

shall not be room enough to receive it.

[11] And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy

the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the

time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

[12] And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome

land, saith the LORD of hosts.

[13] Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What

have we spoken so much against thee?

[14] Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we

have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD

of hosts?

[15] And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set

up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.



The Reward of the Faithful



16 (Ps 56:8) Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another.

The Lord listened and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written

before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name.

17 (Ex 19:5; Dt 7:6) They shall be Mine, says the Lord of Hosts,

on the day when I make up My jewels. And I will spare them as a man

spares his son who serves him.

18 (Ge 18:25) Then you will again discern between the righteous

and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.



[16] Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD

hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him

for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

[17] And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I

make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that

serveth him.

[18] Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked,

between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.



Malachi 4



The Great Day of the Lord



1 (Isa 5:24; 47:14) Surely the day is coming, burning like an oven;

all the proud, yes, all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming

will burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, so that it will leave them

neither root nor branch.

2 (Isa 30:26; Lk 1:78) But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness

will rise with healing in its wings. You will go out and grow up

like calves from the stall.

3 (Job 40:12; Isa 26:6) And you will tread down the wicked, for they will be

ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I do this,

says the Lord of Hosts.

4 (Dt 4:10) Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, the statutes

and judgments which I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel.

5 (Lk 1:17; Joel 2:31) See, I will send you Elijah the prophet

before the coming of the great and dreaded day of the Lord.

6 (Isa 11:4; Zec 5:3) He will turn the hearts of the fathers

to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers,

lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.



[1] For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the

proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that

cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them

neither root nor branch.

[2] But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with

healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the

stall.

[3] And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the

soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.

[4] Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in

Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

[5] Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the

great and dreadful day of the LORD:

[6] And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the

heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with

a curse.



2) Our Daily Bread for 26 September 2024 Titled

What a Friend



John 15:13-17



13 (Jn 10:11; 10:15) Greater love has no man than this: that a man lay down

his life for his friends.

14 (Mt 12:50; Lk 12:4) You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

15 (Jn 8:26; 15:20) I no longer call you servants, for a servant does

not know what his master does. But I have called you friends,

for everything that I have heard from My Father have I made known to you.

16 (Jn 13:18; 6:70You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you,

that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain,

that the Father may give you whatever you ask Him in My name.

17 (Jn 15:12) This I command you: that you love one another.



[13] Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for

his friends.

[14] Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

[15] Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what

his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have

heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

[16] Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye

should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that

whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

[17] These things I command you, that ye love one another.



As favorite backyard neighbours, my mother and Mrs. Sanchez grew also into

friendly rivals. The two competed every Monday to be the first to hang their

freshly washed laundry on their outdoor clotheslines. "She beat me again!" my

mother would say. But the next week, Mama might be first-both enjoying their

friendly weekly contest. Over ten years of sharing a backyard alley, the two

also shared each other's wisdom, stories, and hope.



The Bible speaks with great warmth about the virtue of such a friendship. "A

friend loves at all times," King Solomon observed (Proverbs 17:17). He also

noted, "The pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice"

(27:9).



Our great Friend is surely Jesus. Urging loving friendship from His disciples,

He taught them, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for

one's friends" (John 15:13). The very next day, He would do just that on the

cross. He also told them, "I have called you friends, for everything that I

learned from my Father I have made known to you" (v. 15). Then He said, "This

is my command: Love each other" (v. 17).



With such words, Jesus "is elevating His listeners," as philosopher Nicholas

Wolterstorff said, from lowly humans to companions and confidants. In Christ,

we learn to befriend others. What a Friend to teach us such love!



By: Patricia Raybon



Reflect & Pray



How do you experience love in your friendship with Jesus?

How can you be a friend like Him?



You call me friend, dear Jesus.

Please help me be a loving friend to others.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 5 When you pray



Mark 11:25



25 And when you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone,

so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your sins.



25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any:

that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.



"My prayer don't seem to be very effective," a man told his pastor." I try

to make contact with God, but my prayers seem to hit the ceiling and bounce

back."

The pastor thought for a moment, then gently suggested,

"Is there someone in your life you haven't forgiven?"

"What do you mean?" The man's face flushed; the pastor has obviuosly struck

a nerve. "Well, I guess I've had some struggles with my mother ... and then,

my wife, and I ... ." The hidden truth came to light: the man was bound in

unforgiving relationships with five of the closest people to him.

Forgiveness is an essential element in prayer. For a very good reason,

worship services in liturgical churches place the confession of sin and the

absolution near the beginning of the service, before the reading of God's

Word, prayer, and the sermon. Forgiveness - both the Lord's forgiveness

of us and our forgiveness of others - clears the way for unhindered

communication between God and his people.

When we carry anger and bitterness, or even deeply buried, well-subliminated

unforgiveness, into the presence of God, our prayers will be affected. We can,

however, free the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and the lives of others

through forgiveness. We can choose to forgive in light of God's forgiveness

of us. And when we do, the channels are re-established;

we can pray in power and open ourselves to an awareness of his activity

in our lives.



Application



a) Have my prayers ever been affected by unforgiveness in my life?



b) Is there someone in my life whom I need to forgive,

whether or not I can work toward?



4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland



Joshua 1:8



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

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

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

and you will be wise.



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

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

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

and then thou shalt have good success.



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



When you are discouraged or Depressed



Matthew 11:25-30



25 (Ps 8:2; Jn 11:41) At that time Jesus said, "I thank You, O Father,

Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things

from the wise and prudent and revealed them to infants.

26 Even so, Father, for it seemed good in Your sight.

27 (Jn 10:15; Mt 28:18; Jn 1:18) "All things are delivered to Me

by My Father, and no one knows the Son, except the Father.

And no one knows the Father, except the Son and he to whom

the Son will reveal Him.

28 (Jn 7:37; 6:37) "Come to Me, all you who labour 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."

because He has dealt bountifully with me.



The Hidden Revelation

25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father,

Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things

from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man

knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father,

save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

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.



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 2022 edition?)



Nova Scotia



Total population 942700

Muslim population (est.) 14629



With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is

a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,

a harvest field in itself.

Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia

with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas

(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques

in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.



Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of

newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration

has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic

is the second most spoken language in Halifax.



while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000

in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population

somewhere between 25000 to 30000.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



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

"What does this mean?"

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



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



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

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

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

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

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

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

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



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



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



http://www.ehc.ca



Day 26 of the Month



a) Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary

work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ (Matt 5:16



16 Let your light so shine before men that they may

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



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

good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.



)



b) Pray for the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut



I) Pray for the leaders of Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut,

that God's Spirit would influence then to act justly,

serve with integrity

and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4



1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

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

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

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good

and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

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

and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



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

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

2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;

that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge

of the truth.



II) Pray for the churches of the province,

that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use

the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus



)





Pray to the Lord and pray to know His Will about offerings.



Pray to the Lord: "You call me friend, dear Jesus.

Please help me be a loving friend to others."



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a true forgiver.



Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the Word in full.



Pray to the Lord and pray to give all your burdens to Him.



Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- 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 Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary

work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ



Pray that member of the Muslim Brotherhood and the self-proclaimed Islamic

State (ISIS) in Egypt will come to know Christ.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

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



Remember eternity starts now -

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

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - The Long Game

Some reviews say that the episode is ambitious but tries to do too many things at once [1], while others criticize the basic premise [2]. Overall, it seems like a mixed bag, with some people finding it interesting and others finding it not very good.



Here's a sentiment summary of what users mostly felt about the episode:

* Interesting concept but not perfectly executed [1, 2]



Based on this, I would rate this episode a 6 out of 10.

::|::3600