From Newsgroup: alt.bible

Day 349, 15 December 2025 - 23rd Day of Advent

1) Hebrews 11 , 12, 13

Hebrews 11
Faith

1 (2Co 4:18; 5:7) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the men of old obtained a good report.
3 (Jn 1:3; Ro 4:17) By faith we understand that the universe was framed
by the word of God, so that things that are seen were not made
out of things which are visible.
4 (Mt 23:35; Heb 12:24) By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent
sacrifice than Cain offered. Through this he was approved as righteous,
with God testifying concerning his gifts. He still speaks through his
faith, though he is dead.
5 (2Ki 2:11; Jude 1:14) By faith Enoch was taken to heaven so that
he would not see death. He was not found, because God took him away.
For before he was taken, he had this commendation, that he pleased God.
6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a
rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
7 (1Pe 3:20; Eze 14:14) By faith Noah, being divinely warned about things
not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to save his family,
by which he condemned the world
and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8 (Ge 12:1-4; 12:7) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out
into a place which he would later receive as an inheritance. He went out
not knowing where he was going.
9 (Ge 12:8; 18:9) By faith he dwelt in the promised land, as in a foreign
land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs of the same promise,
10 (Heb 12:22; 13:14) for he was looking for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 (Ge 18:11-14; Heb 10:23) By faith Sarah herself also received the ability
to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age,
because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
12 (Ge 22:17; 15:5; 32:12) Therefore from one man, who was as good as dead, sprang so many, a multitude as the stars of the sky and innumerable
as the sand by the seashore.
13 (Ge 23:4; Ps 39:12) These all died in faith not having received
the promises, but having seen them from afar were assured of them,
embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims
on the earth.
14 Those who say such things declare plainly that they are looking
for a homeland.
15 (Ge 24:6-8) And certainly, if they had been thinking of the country
out of which they came, they might have had the opportunity to return.
16 (Ex 3:6; 3:15) But they desired a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared
a city for them.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac,
and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.
18 (Ge 21:12; Ro 9:7) Of him God said,
"Through Isaac shall your seed be named."(Ge 21:12.)
19 (Ro 4:17-21) He reasoned that God was able to raise him up,
even from the dead, from which he indeed received him in a figurative sense.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph
and worshipped while leaning on the top of his staff.
22 (Ex 13:19; Ge 50:24-25) By faith Joseph, when he was dying, mentioned the exodus of the children of Israel and gave instructions concerning his bones.
23 (Ex 1:16; 1:22) By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden by his
parents for three months, because they saw he was a beautiful child,
and they were not afraid of the king's command.
24 (Ex 2:10-11) By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called
the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
25 (Job 36:21; Ps 84:10) choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy thepleasures of sin for a time.
26 (Heb 2:2; 10:35) He esteemed the reproach of Christ as greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, for he looked to the reward.
27 (Heb 11:13; Ex 2:14-15) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath
of the king. He endured by looking to Him who is invisible.
28 (Ex 12:21-30) By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest the one who destroys the firstborn touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land,
which the Egyptians attempted to do, but were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled
for seven days.
31 (Jas 2:25; Jos 6:22-25; Mt 1:5) By faith the prostitute Rahab,
when she received the spies with peace, did not perish with
those who did not believe.
32 (1Sa 1:20; 16:1) And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to
tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 (Jdg 14:5-6) who through faith subdued kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 (Jdg 15:8; 1Ki 19:3) quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge
of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in fighting,
and turned the armies of foreign enemies to flight.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured
and did not accept deliverance,
so that they might obtain a better resurrection.
36 (Jer 20:2; Ge 39:20; 1Ki 22:27) Still others had trials of mocking
and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment.
37 (1Ki 19:10; 2Ch 24:21) They were stoned, they were sawn in two,
were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered around
in sheepskins and goatskins, while destitute, afflicted, and tormented.
38 (1Ki 18:4; 19:9) The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
39 (Heb 11:13; 11:2; 1Pe 1:12) These all have obtained a good report through faith, but they did not receive the promise.
40 (Rev 6:11) For God provided something better for us, so that with us they would be made perfect.

[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
not seen.
[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.
[3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of
God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
[4] By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his
gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
[5] By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had
this testimony, that he pleased God.
[6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to
God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him.
[7] By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned
the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
[8] By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he
should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not
knowing whither he went.
[9] By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
[10] For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and
maker is God.
[11] Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him
faithful who had promised.
[12] Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
[13] These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having
seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
[14] For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. [15] And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they
came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
[16] But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore
God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
[17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
[18] Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
[19] Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
[20] By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
[21] By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph;
and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
[22] By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
[23] By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the
king's commandment.
[24] By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son
of Pharaoh's daughter;
[25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to
enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
[26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
[27] By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
[28] Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest
he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
[29] By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
[30] By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed
about seven days.
[31] By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not,
when she had received the spies with peace.
[32] And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of
Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
[33] Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
[34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the
armies of the aliens.
[35] Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were
tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
[36] And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
[37] They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
[38] (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
[39] And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received
not the promise:
[40] God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us
should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 12

The Discipline of the Lord

1 Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
2 (Heb 1:3; Lk 24:26) Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising
the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 (Gal 6:9; Heb 12:5) For consider Him who endured such hostility
from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up.
4 (Heb 10:32-34) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed while striving
against sin.
5 (Pr 3:11-12) And you have forgotten the exhortation addressed
to you as sons:
"My son, do not despise the discipline from the Lord,
nor grow weary when you are rebuked by Him;
6 (Rev 3:19; Ps 119:75; Pr 3:12) for whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
and scourges every son whom He receives."
7 (Pr 13:24; 19:18) Endure discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline?
8 If you are without discipline, of which everyone has partaken,
then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
9 (Nu 16:22; 27:16) Furthermore, we have had human fathers,
and they corrected us, and we gave them reverence.
Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
10 (2Pe 1:4) For they indeed disciplined us for a short time according
to their own judgment, but He does so for our profit, that we may partake
of His holiness.
11 (Isa 32:17; Jas 3:17-18) Now no discipline seems to be joyful at the time, but grievous. Yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness
in those who have been trained by it.
12 (Isa 35:3; Job 4:3-4) Therefore lift up your tired hands,
and strengthen your weak knees.
13 (Gal 6:1; Pr 4:26-27) Make straight paths for your feet,
lest that which is lame go out of joint, but rather be healed.

[1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
[2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set
down at the right hand of the throne of God.
[3] For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
[4] Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
[5] And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint
when thou art rebuked of him:
[6] For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
[7] If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son
is he whom the father chasteneth not?
[8] But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are
ye bastards, and not sons.
[9] Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the
Father of spirits, and live?
[10] For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure;
but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
[11] Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
[12] Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
[13] And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be
turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Warning Against Rejecting God's Grace

14 (Ro 14:19; 2Co 7:1) Pursue peace with all men, and the holiness
without which no one will see the Lord,
15 (Gal 5:4; Heb 3:12; Dt 29:18) watching diligently so that no one falls
short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring up
to cause trouble, and many become defiled by it,
16 (Heb 13:4; Ge 25:31-34) lest there be any sexually immoral
or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.
17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing,
he was rejected. For he found no place for repentance, though he sought
it diligently with tears.
18 (Dt 4:11; Ex 20:18) You have not come to a mountain that can be touched
and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and storm,
19 (Dt 18:16; 4:12) and to the sound of a trumpet and to a voice speaking words, such that those who heard them begged that the word not be spoken
to them anymore.
20 (Ex 19:12-13) For they could not endure that which was commanded:
"If so much as a beast touches the mountain, it must be stoned
or thrust through with a spear."(Ex 19:12-13.)
21 (Ex 19:16) So terrible was the sight that Moses said,
"I am terrified and trembling."(Dt 9:19.)
22 (Gal 4:26; Ps 48:2) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city
of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable
company of angels;
23 (Lk 10:20; Ge 18:25) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven; to God, the Judge of all; and to the spirits
of the righteous ones made perfect;
24 (Ge 4:10; Heb 11:4; 8:6) and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant;
and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than that of Abel.
25 (Heb 8:5; 11:7) See that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused Him who spoke on earth,
much less shall we escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven.
26 (Ex 19:18) At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has given us
a promise, saying, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth
but also heaven." (Hag 2:6.)
27 And this statement, "Yet once more," signifies the removal of those things that can be shaken, things that are created, so that only those things
that cannot be shaken will remain.
28 (Da 2:44; Heb 13:15) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom
that cannot be moved, let us be gracious, by which we may serve God
acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
29 (Dt 4:24; 9:3) For our God is a consuming fire.

[14] Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
[15] Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root
of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
[16] Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
[17] For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the
blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
[18] For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that
burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
[19] And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they
that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
[20] (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as
a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a
dart:
[21] And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
[22] But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God,
the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
[23] To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written
in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
[24] And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
[25] See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn
away from him that speaketh from heaven:
[26] Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
[27] And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things
that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot
be shaken may remain.
[28] Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have
grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
[29] For our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 13

Service That Pleases God

1 (1Pe 1:22; 2:17) Let brotherly love continue.
2 (Mt 25:35; 1Pe 4:9) Do not forget to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unknowingly.
3 (Mt 25:36; Col 4:18) Remember those who are in chains, as if imprisoned
with them, and those who are ill treated, since you are also in the body.
4 (1Co 6:9; Gal 5:19) Marriage is to be honored among everyone,
and the bed undefiled. But God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. 5 (Jos 1:5; Dt 31:6) Let your lives be without love of money,
and be content with the things you have. For He has said:
"I will never leave you,
nor forsake you."(Dt 31:6, 8; Jos 1:5.)
6 (Ps 56:4) So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?"(Ps 118:6.)
7 (Heb 13:17; 6:12; 13:24) Remember those who rule over you, who have proclaimed to you the word of God. Follow their faith, considering
the results it has produced in their lives.
8 (Heb 1:12; Mal 3:6) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today,
and forever.
9 (Eph 4:14; 2Co 1:21) Do not be carried away
with diverse and strange doctrines. It is a good thing that the heart
be strengthened with grace, not with foods, which have not profited
those who have been occupied with them.
10 (1Co 9:13) We have an altar from which those who serve in the tabernacle have no right to eat.
11 (Ex 29:14; Lev 16:27) For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood
is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest on account of sin,
are burned outside the camp.
12 (Ac 7:58; Eph 5:26) Therefore Jesus also, so that He might sanctify
the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
13 (Heb 11:26) Therefore let us go forth to Him outside the camp,
bearing the reproach that He bore.
14 (Heb 12:22; Mic 2:10) For here we have no continuing city,
but we seek one to come.
15 (Hos 14:2; Lev 7:12) Through Him, then, let us continually offer
to God the sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of our lips,
giving thanks to His name.
16 (Ro 12:13; Php 4:18) But do not forget to do good and to share.
For with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 (Ac 20:28; Heb 13:7) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. Let them do this with joy and not complaining, for that would not be profitable to you.
18 (1Th 5:25; Ac 23:1) Pray for us. For we trust that we have a good
conscience and in all things are willing to live honestly.
19 (Phm 1:22) But I implore you to pray,
that I may be restored to you very soon.

[1] Let brotherly love continue.
[2] Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have
entertained angels unawares.
[3] Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which
suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
[4] Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers
and adulterers God will judge.
[5] Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake
thee.
[6] So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear
what man shall do unto me.
[7] Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
[8] Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
[9] Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have
not profited them that have been occupied therein.
[10] We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
[11] For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the
sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
[12] Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
[13] Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his
reproach.
[14] For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
[15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God
continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
[16] But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices
God is well pleased.
[17] Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it
with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
[18] Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things
willing to live honestly.
[19] But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you
the sooner.

Benediction and Final Greetings

20 (Zec 9:11; Jn 10:11) Now may the God of peace, who through the blood
of the eternal covenant brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the Great Shepherd of the sheep,
21 (Php 2:13; 2Th 2:17) make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 (1Pe 5:12; Heb 3:1) I implore you, brothers, to heed this word
of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.
23 (1Th 3:2) Know that our brother Timothy has been set free,
with whom I shall see you if he comes soon.
24 (Heb 13:7; 13:17) Greet all those who rule over you and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
25 (Col 4:18) Grace be with you all. Amen.

[20] Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
[21] Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory
for ever and ever. Amen.
[22] And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
[23] Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he
come shortly, I will see you.
[24] Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They
of Italy salute you.
[25] Grace be with you all. Amen.

2) Our Daily Bread for 15 December 2025 titled
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category /knowing-and-loving-others"> Knowing and Loving Others </a> by Tim Gustafson

2 Corinthians 2:1-8

1 (2Co 1:23; 1Co 4:21) But I determined this for myself,
that I would not come again to you in sorrow.
2 (2Co 7:8) For if I make you sorrowful, who then will there be
to make me rejoice, but the one whom I have made sorrowful?
3 (Gal 5:10; 2Co 8:22) I wrote concerning this matter to you,
so that when I came, I would not be grieved by those in whom
I ought to rejoice, having confidence in you all,
that my joy is your joy.
4 (2Co 7:12) For out of much affliction and anguish of heart
I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be grieved,
but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you.

[1] But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.
[2] For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the
same which is made sorry by me?
[3] And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my
joy is the joy of you all.
[4] For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with
many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

Forgiveness for the Offender

5 (Gal 4:12) But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me,
but to some extent all of you, not to put it too severely.
6 (1Co 5:4-5)This punishment which was inflicted by many
on such a man is sufficient.
7 (Eph 4:32) So on the contrary, you ought to forgive him
and comfort him, lest perhaps he might be swallowed up
with excessive sorrow.
8 Therefore I ask you to confirm your love toward him.

[5] But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that
I may not overcharge you all.
[6] Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of
many.
[7] So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him,
lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
[8] Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

Hippocrates (ca. 460rCo375 bc) brought medicine out of the realm of the superstitious and into the light of testing and observation. But he didn't lose sight of the patientrCOs humanity. "It is far more important to know what person the disease has," he said, "than what disease the person has."

The apostle Paul cared for a church with multiple problems, yet he saw the humanity of each member - including a man who'd committed a sin "that even pagans do not tolerate" (1 Corinthians 5:1). Paul dealt strongly with the "disease," and the man repented. Now, as he wrote another letter to the church in Corinth, Paul had affirming instructions for all of them. He recognised that this man's sin had affected everyone: "He has grieved all of you to some extent," he said (2 Corinthians 2:5). But since the man had turned from his sin, Paul said, "Reaffirm your love for him" (v. 8).

His motivation was clear: "I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you" (v. 4). He knew them all. And he loved them.

Sin affects us all. Behind each sin is a human being. When we've been wronged, it may be difficult to work toward restoration, yet that's what God calls us to do. Know the person. Then, in Christ's strength, love them.

Reflect & Pray

How did Paul handle the sin in the Corinthian church?
How does loving someone despite their sin differ from enablement?

Dear Father, please help me see others as You see them.
Thank You for complete forgiveness of my sins.

<a href="https://reclaimtoday.org/why-christians-need-good-friendships/">
To learn more about fellowship with others, read Why Christians
Need Good Friendships.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 2 - The key to the Prison Cell

Matt 6:14-15

14 For if you forgive men for their sins, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men for their sins,
neither will your Father forgive your sins.

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you: 15 but if ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Ann had been badly wounded in a relationship that had ended in anger
and accusation. For more than a year, Ann nursed her bitterness, rallying support for her attitudes from friends and colleagues. Any time she saw
her former friend, Ann put up an icy wall of hostility. She thought she was "getting over" the hurt, but the very mention of her friend's name brought
back a flood of negative feelings. Ann was trapped, locked in a prison of unforgiveness , a jail built block by block by her own unwillingness to forgive. Ann didn't "get over it"; instead, her wounds festered
and her bitterness grew worse.
Then one day - she never knew how - Ann let go of her bitterness. The barriers of hostility and anger melted away, and when she saw her friend again, she was able to forgive. And Ann was finally able to turn to the Lord for her own healing and forgiveness.
"If you do not forgive," Jesus says - and the statement falls hard on unforgiving hearts, "Neither will you be forgiven." In one sense, God's forgiveness is unconditional - we do not have to earn or deserve it, and it is always available to us. But we cannot experience the forgiveness God has extended to us when we harbour unforgiveness towards others and build walls
of bitterness in our hearts.
When we refuse forgiveness toward those who have hurt or betrayed us, we do
not keep them in bondage, but ourselves. We lock ourselves away for an awareness of God's loving presence; we imprison ourselves in a cell of
revenge. But when we reach out to forgive, we turn in the lock;
the door is open for our own sins to be forgiven and our own hearts
cleansed and purified.

Application

a) Why is forgiving others a condition for experiencing forgiveness
in my own life?

b) How can these verses have a practical effect upon my willingness
to forgive others?

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 2023 edition?)

The Northern Territories of Canada

Yukon

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

In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.

Northwest Territories (NWT)

NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473

The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year. To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million Islamic Centre.

Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Nunavut (NU)

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

The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory. Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."

Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.

Adding further

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

Under the Keep Praying page

When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and, of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.

Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other, "What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."

Peter's Speech at Pentecost

14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'

- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the house."

Ideas for prayer

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!

My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

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

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

http://www.ehc.ca

15th Day of the Month

a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11

8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
)

b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia

I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, that God's Spirit would influence
them to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)
who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet
and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

)

Advent day 23

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

Monday,Fourth Week of Advent

"There! They're at it again. 'Ark, the errol hygel sings'....
Boxing Day [December 26] is only two and a half weeks ahead;
then perhaps we shall have a little quiet in which to remember
the birth of Christ." C. S. Lewis

(Read this and more in "Delinquents in the Snow," God in the Dock, p. 310.)

A Little Quiet

The day on which the English give their gifts is Boxing Day, a public holiday that falls on the first weekday after Christmas. In the past, the English exchanged gifts among equals on Christmas Day, and gave gifts to those "socially inferior" on the day after,
probably wrapped in boxes; hence, the name "Boxing Day."
It is also known in England as St. Stephen's Day, named after the first Christian martyr.

As a result, Lewis was not expecting the Prince of Peace to bring him peace until after Boxing Day, a day after Christmas Day itself,
after gifts had been given. While peace in the biblical sense means
far more than the absence of stress, Lewis was here thinking of the
peace and quiet that a busy man, a famous and popular man, too seldom enjoyed.

From the time of his BBC radio broadcasts in 1941, Lewis received many letters, probably a half-dozen to a dozen each day. As a result, he spent
a lot of time answering those letters, and they seemed to come
in greater numbers during the Christmas holidays. We don't have to be famous
to appreciate Lewis' desire for a little quiet.
In the midst of the busyness of the Advent season, we need to remember that
God sent a child, a son, the Prince of Peace.
He came to announce, "Peace on earth" (Luke 2:14) for everyone who believes.

Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,
peace in the midst of busyness, and peace
in the midst of quiet. Amen.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...
And he will be called...Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn

MONDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT

Tender Mercy

through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;

-Luke 1:78

What an attractive image, the "dawn from on high"!

It is an expression for the morning's light, but in its ambiguity
the figure could also refer to the Christ whose coming we anticipate.


This is one benefit that comes from God's "tender mercy." Another is John,
the Most High's Prophet and the Lord's Forerunner, who dispersed
to people knowledge of God's salvation
by the pardoning of their transgressions.

Those upon whom the dawn from on high burst were able
to move out of both their darkness and death's shadow
and into the way of peace. That is still true today. As we prepare
to hail the coming of the Christ Child, we honor him by participating
in his gift of bringing peace to the world. In his name and character,
we become reconcilers and harmonisers, helping people to allay their fears
and eliminate their quarrels. What tranquility might be brought to the nations!

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.

Read Luke 1:68-79.

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."

From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

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

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,"
MATTHEW 1:20

Joseph is often the "odd man out" in the Christmas story. We hear
so much about the Baby Jesus (and rightly so!), and about Mary,
the shepherds, the angels and even those smelly sheep .. - but not
a lot about Joseph

The Ah-Has of acceptance is all about Joseph. Today's lesson shows
good old Joe in a tough situation But, through the Holy Spirit, he accepted
the responsibilities that were given to him. And notice the phrase that
the angel brought to Joseph's dream: "Do not be afraid!" These are the
same Gospel words that we hear from the Lord as we go about accepting
the responsibilities that he gives to us each day.

The beauty and irony of Advent is that as we prepare for his coming.
the Lord has already prepared us for life in him! His acceptance of us
enables us to accept the many tasks and challenges he gives to us ...
with no exceptions! It's like the button that states, "God loves you ...
of course - he loves everyone!" And it's true, because of Emmanuel,
"God with us."

Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions.
Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!
Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail
to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us, "Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Matthew 1:18-25

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; 9:6rCo7; 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.

From <a href="https://oneagleswings.ca"> On Eagle's wings</a>

Pitched A Tent
9 (Ge 12:8; 18:9) By faith he dwelt in the promised land, as in a foreign
land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs of the same promise,

[9] By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

Hebrews 11:9 (MEV/KJV)

The week was special. It was the annual T+e-#|?ch|2 Assembly combined
with the Dene Assembly in Behchok|2|C, Northwest Territories. These
gatherings are integral for decisions and resolutions across the
different First Nations tribes, and a cultural celebration.
Many people had traveled long distances by plane, truck, and
canoe to participate. There were tents throughout the community
that families had brought to share and live in with extended family
members. For thousands of years, the native peoples of northern
Canada lived in tents as they followed caribou herds for food and
skins.
Abraham was also a tent-dweller. He and his people moved with
their tents from place to place longing and reaching for the
Promised Land. Even the Ark of the Covenant was closely and
carefully housed in a tent during those journeys. To the Israelites,
beholding the glory of God, or even uttering the name of God, was
forbidden.
John writes that God "made his dwelling among us." The closest
translation for dwell is rCLto pitch a tentrCY. At just the right time, Almighty God burst into our lives as a newborn baby! Jesus, Savior,
God incarnate lived among us, preached, taught, healed, fed, loved,
died, and is resurrected. Through Jesus we witness God's great love
for all people.

Lois Graff Peterson
On Eagle's Wings Board Member

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to Him who can save your soul.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, please help me see others as You see them. Thank You for complete forgiveness of my sins"

Pray to the Lord and pray to be a total forgiver.

Pray to the Lord and pray to honour his covenant.

Pray to the Lord and pray to the Healer.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together, and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.

Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!

Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living

Jesus, Saviour, pilot me. And give me your Spirit to speak that
same word to others. Amen.

Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,
peace in the midst of busyness, and peace in the midst of quiet. Amen.

Pray: Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.

Pray: Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions. Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!
Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail
to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us, "Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Using Psalm 9:9, thank the Lord for Christians
who are working to help Sudanese refugees in Chad.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.

9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.

<a href="https://ourdailybread.ca/god-became-a-man/">
Christ is the reason for the season </a>

Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.

Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising! Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;
Merry Christmas 2025 and Happy New Year 2026
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