From Newsgroup: alt.bible

Day 350, 16 December 2025 - 24nd Day of Advent

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

2 Timothy 1

Salutation

1 (2Co 1:1; Eph 3:6) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 (1Ti 1:2; Ro 1:7) To Timothy, my beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
[2] To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Loyalty to the Gospel

3 (Ro 1:8-9; Ac 23:1) I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience as my forefathers did, as I continually remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 (2Ti 4:9; 4:21) greatly desiring to see you, remembering your tears,
that I may be filled with joy,
5 (Ac 16:1; 1Ti 1:5) remembering the genuine faith that first lived
in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and that I am persuaded
lives in you also.
6 (1Ti 4:14; 1Th 5:19) Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God,
which is in you by the laying on of my hands.
7 (Ro 8:15; Ac 1:8) For God has not given us the spirit of fear,
but of power, and love, and self-control.
8 (Mk 8:38; Eph 3:1) So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,
nor of me, His prisoner. But share in the sufferings of the gospel
by the power of God,
9 (Ro 16:25; Titus 1:2) who has saved us and called us with a holy calling,
not by our works, but by His own purpose and grace, which was given us
in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 (Ro 2:7; 16:26) but is now revealed by the appearing of our Saviour,
Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and has brought life
and immortality to light through the gospel,
11 (1Ti 2:7) for which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle,
and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 (2Ti 1:8; 1Ti 6:20; 1Pe 4:19) For these things I suffer, but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is
able to keep that which I have committed to Him until that Day.
13 (1Ti 1:14; Titus 1:9) Follow the pattern of sound teaching
which you have heard from me in the faith and love that is in Christ Jesus.
14 (Ro 8:9; 1Ti 6:20) Guard the treasure that was committed to you through
the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
15 (2Ti 4:16; Ac 19:10) You know that all those who are in Asia have turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 (2Ti 4:19; Ac 28:20) May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
17 But when he arrived in Rome, he searched me out very diligently
and found me.
18 (2Ti 1:12; Heb 6:10) May the Lord grant that he may find mercy
from the Lord on that Day. You know very well how many ways he ministered
to me at Ephesus.

[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
[4] Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
[5] When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which
dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am
persuaded that in thee also.
[6] Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
[7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
[8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me
his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel
according to the power of God;
[9] Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to
our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
[10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
[11] Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of
the Gentiles.
[12] For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
[13] Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in
faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
[14] That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost
which dwelleth in us.
[15] This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from
me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
[16] The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
[17] But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found
me.
[18] The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

2 Timothy 2

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

1 (Eph 6:10; 2Ti 1:2) So you, my son, be strong
in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 (1Ti 1:18; 6:12) Share the things that you have heard from me
in the presence of many witnesses with faithful men who will be able
to teach others also.
3 (1Ti 1:18; 2Ti 1:8) Endure hard times as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 (2Pe 2:20) No soldier on active duty entangles himself
with civilian affairs, that he may please the enlisting officer.
5 Anyone who competes as an athlete is not rewarded without competing legally. 6 The farmer who labors should be first to partake of the crops.
7 Consider what I am saying, and may the Lord grant you understanding
in all things.
8 (Mt 1:1; Ro 2:16) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,
descended from David, according to my gospel,
9 (Php 1:7; 2Ti 1:8) in which I suffer trouble like a criminal,
even with chains. But the word of God is not bound.
10 (Col 1:24; 2Co 1:6; 4:17) Therefore I endure all things for the sake
of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ
Jesus with eternal glory.
11 (Ro 6:8; 1Th 5:10) This is a faithful saying:
If we die with Him,
we shall also live with Him.
12 (Mt 10:33; Ro 8:17) If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 (Nu 23:19; Ro 3:3) If we are faithless, He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.

[1] Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
[2] And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
[3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
[4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life;
that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
[5] And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
[6] The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
[7] Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. [8] Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
[9] Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word
of God is not bound.
[10] Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
[11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also
will deny us:
[13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

An Approved Workman

14 (1Ti 5:21; 2Ti 2:23) Remind them of these things, commanding them before
the Lord that they not argue about words, which leads to nothing of value
and to the destruction of those who hear them.
15 (Mt 13:52) Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need
not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 (Titus 3:9; 1Ti 6:20) But avoid profane foolish babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness,
17 (1Ti 1:20) and their word will spread like gangrene: Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 (1Co 15:12; 1Ti 1:19) who have erred concerning the truth,
saying that the resurrection has already occurred,
and who overthrow the faith of some.
19 (Jn 10:14; Isa 28:16) But the firm foundation of God stands,
having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and,
"Let everyone who calls on the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
20 (1Ti 3:15) In a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels,
but also those of wood and clay; some are for honor, and some for dishonour.
21 (2Ti 3:17; Isa 52:11) One who cleanses himself from these things will be
a vessel for honor, sanctified, fit for the Master's use,
and prepared for every good work.
22 (1Ti 6:11; 1:5; 4:12) So flee youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 (Titus 3:9; 2Ti 2:14) But avoid foolish and unlearned debates, knowing
that they create strife.
24 (1Ti 3:2-3; Titus 3:2) The servant of the Lord must not quarrel,
but must be gentle toward all people, able to teach, patient,
25 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 8:22) in gentleness instructing those in opposition.
Perhaps God will grant them repentance to know the truth,
26 (1Ti 3:7) and they may escape from the snare of the devil,
after being captured by him to do his will.

[14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
[16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
[17] And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
[18] Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is
past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
[19] Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
[20] But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver,
but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
[21] If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every
good work.
[22] Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity,
peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
[23] But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all
men, apt to teach, patient,
[25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
[26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2 Timothy 3

The Last Days

1 (Eze 38:16; 2Pe 3:3) Know this: In the last days perilous times will come.
2 (Php 2:21; Jude 1:16) Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 (Ro 1:31; 1Ti 3:11) without natural affection, trucebreakers, slanderers, unrestrained, fierce, despisers of those who are good,
4 (1Ti 3:6) traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasures
more than lovers of God,
5 (1Ti 5:8; Mt 7:15) having a form of godliness,
but denying its power. Turn away from such people.
6 (Titus 3:3; Jude 1:4) Those of this nature creep into houses
and captivate silly women who are burdened with sins
and led away with various desires,
7 (1Ti 2:4; 2Ti 2:25) always learning, but never able to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
8 (Ex 7:11; 1Ti 6:5) Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses,
so these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds
and worthless concerning the faith.
9 (Ex 7:12; 9:11) But they shall proceed no further,
for their folly will be revealed to everyone, as theirs also was.

[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
[2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
[3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
[4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of
God;
[5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such
turn away.
[6] For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive
silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
[7] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
[8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
[9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest
unto all men, as theirs also was.

Last Charge to Timothy

10 (Php 2:22; 1Ti 4:6) But you have observed my doctrine,
manner of life, purpose,
faith, tolerance, love, patience,
11 (Ps 34:19; Ac 13:45) persecutions, and afflictions, which came to me
at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra-what persecutions I endured!
But the Lord delivered me out of them all.
12 (Ac 14:22; Titus 2:12) Yes, and all who desire to live a godly life
in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers will grow worse and worse, deceiving
and being deceived.
14 (2Ti 1:13) But continue in the things that you have learned
and have been assured of, knowing those from whom you have learned them,
15 (2Ti 1:5) and that since childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures,
which are able to make you wise unto salvation through the faith that is
in Christ Jesus.
16 (Ro 15:4) All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,
17 (1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 2:21) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

[10] But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
[11] Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium,
at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord
delivered me.
[12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
[13] But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and
being deceived.
[14] But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are
able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus.
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 4

1 (Ac 10:42; 1Ti 5:21) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing
and His kingdom:
2 (Titus 1:13; 2:15) Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.
3 (1Ti 1:10) For the time will come when people will not endure sound
doctrine, but they will gather to themselves teachers in accordance
with their own desires, having itching ears,
4 (1Ti 1:4; 4:7) and they will turn their ears away from the truth
and turn to myths.
5 (Ac 21:8; 2Ti 1:8) But be self-controlled in all things,
endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
and prove your ministry.
6 (Php 1:23; 2:17) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering,
and the time of my departure has come.
7 (Ac 20:24; 1Ti 6:12) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith.
8 (Col 1:5; 2Ti 1:12) From now on a crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only
to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.

[1] I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
[2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
[4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
[5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
[6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at
hand.
[7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
[8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Personal Instructions

9 (2Ti 1:4; 4:21) Diligently try to come to me soon.
10 (Ac 16:6; 17:1) Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world,
and has departed to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 (Ac 12:12; Col 4:14) Only Luke is with me. Get Mark, and bring him with you, for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
12 (Ac 20:4; Eph 6:21) I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13 (Ac 16:8) When you come, bring with you the cloak that I left
at Troas with Carpus, and the books, but especially the parchments.
14 (1Ti 1:20; Ps 28:4) Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil.
May the Lord reward him according to his works.
15 Beware of him, for he has greatly opposed our words.
16 (Ac 7:60) At my first defense no one stood with me,
but everyone forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
17 (Ac 9:15; Ps 22:21) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me,
so that through me the preaching might be fully known, and that
all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 (Ro 11:36; Ps 121:7) The Lord will deliver me from every evil work
and will preserve me for His heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever
and ever. Amen.

[9] Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
[10] For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
[11] Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
[12] And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
[13] The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring
with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
[14] Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him
according to his works:
[15] Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
[16] At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
[17] Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear:
and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
[18] And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve
me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

19 (Ac 18:2) Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 (Ac 20:4; 19:22) Erastus remained at Corinth, and I have left Trophimus
ill in Miletus.
21 (2Ti 4:9) Diligently try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you,
and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
22 (Gal 6:18; Col 4:18) The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Grace be with you. Amen.

[19] Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
[20] Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
[21] Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and
Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
[22] The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

2) Our Daily Bread for 16 December 2025 titled <a href="https://www.odbm.org /en/devotionals/devotional-category/who-is-my-neighbor2">
Who Is My Neighbour?</a> by Patricia Raybon

Luke 10:25-34, 36-37

The Good Samaritan

25 (Lk 18:18; 7:30) Now, a lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying,
rCLTeacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?rCY
26 He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?"
27 (Lev 19:18; Dt 6:5; Mt 19:19) He answered, " 'You shall love the Lord
your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,
and with all your strength, and with all your mind' (Dt 6:5.)
and 'your neighbor as yourself.'(Lev 19:18)."
28 (Lev 18:5; Eze 20:11) He said to him, "You have answered correctly.
Do this, and you will live."
29 (Lk 16:15) But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus,
"And who is my neighbour?"
30 Jesus answered, "A man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho
and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing
and wounded him and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 By chance a priest came down that way. And when he saw him,
he passed by on the other side.
32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to that place, looked at him
and passed by on the other side.
33 (Mt 10:5) But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was.
And when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine.
Then he set him on his own donkey and brought him to an inn,
and took care of him.
35 The next day when he departed, he took out two denarii
(Gk. denarius, a coin worth about a day's wage.)
and gave them to the innkeeper and said to him, 'Take care of him.
I will repay you whatever else you spend when I return.'
36 " ow which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him
who fell among the thieves?"
37 (2Co 8:9; 1Pe 2:21) He said, "The one who showed mercy on him."
Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

[25] And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying,
Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
[26] He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
[27] And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy
mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
[28] And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
[29] But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
[30] And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and
wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
[31] And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he
saw him, he passed by on the other side.
[32] And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on
him, and passed by on the other side.
[33] But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when
he saw him, he had compassion on him,
[34] And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and
set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
[35] And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave
them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
[36] Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that
fell among the thieves?
[37] And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

From her hospital bed, Marie Coble lit up when she saw the delivery driver whose help had likely saved her life. She'd fallen in her driveway and hit her head, causing a brain bleed. Seeing her injury, Raheem Cooper helped her while calling paramedics. Invited by family to visit her in the hospital, Raheem often brings sweet treats she enjoys to assist her recovery.

Their story brings to mind the parable of the Good Samaritan. The parable
is Jesus' reply to an expert's question on what he must do to inherit eternal life. Do "what is written in the law," Jesus said (Luke 10:26), including "love your neighbour as yourself" (v. 27). But the expert persisted, asking, "Who is my neighbour?" (v. 29).

Christ's answer describes a man attacked by robbers, left half dead, and then ignored by two people - a priest and a Levite - who passed him by.
"But a Samaritan . . . took pity on him," "bandaged his wounds, . . . and took care of him" (vv. 33-34). Seeing the hurting man in need, the Samaritan's help was active, urgent, and without bias - looking past race or creed to assist someone he could've ignored.

Thus, Jesus asked, "Which of these three was a neighbor to the man?"
"The one who had mercy on him," the expert said. Said Jesus,
"Go and do likewise" (vv. 36-37). In Christ, we too can find the compassion to help a hurting person instead of passing by. It's a lesson for all in sharing Jesus' love.

Reflect & Pray

How do you need mercy? How can you show mercy?

Dear Father, may I look beyond differences to share Jesus' mercy with others.

<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/discovery-series /living-justly-loving-mercy/jesus-and-lady-justice">
To learn more about mercy, read Living Justly, Loving Mercy.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 3 The Kind Heart of Forgiveness

Ephesians 4:32

32 (2Co 2:10; Col 3:12-13; Mt 6:12) And be kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Don had lost his job because he stood against his boss and refused to compromise his Christian principles. Certain friends in the company had
turned against him, choosing to save their own jobs at any cost,
and he felt very alone, abandoned when he most needed the support
of those who cared.
But Don showed no signs of bitterness or unforgiveness. He refused to
recite the details of his firing to those around him, saying simply and honestly, " I believe my boss was wrong in what he did. But God can show
him." The kindness of Don's heart, and the tenderness with which he
extended forgiveness, became a testimony to all who knew him. Don's
boss never "saw the light", never repented, but Don lived in the freedom of forgiving.
Comparison is a rare commodity among Christains today. We seem to be overstocked with judgment and crammed full of condemnation, but we have
little space in the corners of our lives for tenderheartedness. We are quick
to assume that we know another person's heart and have the remedy for
the problem, rather then giving that person the benefit of the doubt,
the room to grow, the freedom to make a mistake and seek forgiveness.
Jesus demonstrated the king compassion necessary in forgiveness when he
looked down at the soldiers who has crucified him, gambling at his feet
for his cloak, and said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what
are doing."
When others hurt and betray us, they often "do not know what they are
doing." we can, in Christ, offer compassionate forgiveness to them -
not condoning their actions or excusing their wrong, but forgiving ,
in the simplicity and purity of God's love.

Application

a) What is the difference between excusing a wrong and forgiving?

b) How has God forgiven me for Christ's sake?

c) What does today's verse tell me about my attitude in forgiveness?

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 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

16th Day of the Month

a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8

7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away. For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment"

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;
but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:

)

b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy

(

John 14:6

6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Rom 3:19-20

19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

2 Cor 5:10

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

2 Cor 10:5

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,

5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;

)

Advent Day 24

From C.S. Lewis A grand miracle by Joel Heck

"Once more, very many thanks to all your great goodness to me and mine:
and with all best wishes for a happy Christmas."

-C. S. Lewis

(From Letter to Dr. Warfield Firor, Nov. 6, 1948, Lewis' Collected Letters,
II, p. 889.)

Christmas Gratitude

During World War Two and for nearly a decade thereafter,
England suffered from a scarcity of certain foods and other consumables. Rationing was the only solution, and a victory in the war the only consolation. During those years, many in England benefited from the generosity of American citizens almost as much as from the heroic courage of American soldiers.
The Lewis household was one of many to receive packages from the States,
which greatly eased the hardship. In the process, God blessed both the giver and the recipients.

Dr. Warfield Firor, a physician from Baltimore, sent package after package
for many years. Because of the gift of more than one delicious ham,
Lewis once named him "Firor-of-the-Hams." Lewis had to come up with new
and creative ways of expressing his thanks, so frequent and generous
were Firor's gifts. Finally, Dr. Firor insisted that Lewis not thank
him anymore, but simply write to him about what he was reading, thinking,
or doing at the time. But in a letter in 1948, Lewis paired his gratitude
with greetings for the upcoming Christmas season.

The psalmist, thankful for God's strength, salvation, refuge, and righteousness, thanks God for being his God. He says, "The Lord is
my strength and my song; he has become my salvation" (Ps. 118:14).
In the Advent season, we think of the salvation that God has sent
in his Son, and we are grateful.

We give thanks to you, 0 Lord, because you are good,
and because you gave us Jesus. Give us truly grateful hearts.

Amen.

You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.

Psalm 118:28

From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn

TUESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT

John's Qualifications

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, ...

-Luke 1:80a

What do we mean when we assert that certain people have a "strong spirit"? Usually we are awed by their

passionate convictions or the certainty of their beliefs.
In John the Forerunner's case, we encounter both the culmination of his call
to prepare the way for his Lord and the aftermath of his years of solitude
in the desert when his preeminent teacher was God. Some scholars speculate
that he was associated with the Essenes, who had retreated to the barren
lands to preserve their faith, but we don't know for sure.

Nor do we know how old John was when he withdrew to the wilderness,
but we can surmise that earlier he had benefited from the rigorous
training of Zechariah and Elizabeth.

They had enfolded him entirely in the story of Israel's long-! awaited
Messiah and in his own call to cultivate repentance in preparation for him.
On the bedrock of his parents' proficiencies, God equipped him
in the wastelands to meet the public and testify to them.

prayer

Equip us wholly, Lord, to serve you the best we can. Amen.

Read Luke 1:76-80.

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.

From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

FOURTH TUESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACCLAMATION!

7 so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want
you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to everyone. TITUS 3:7-8

Christmas is the time for acclamation . . . and so is Advent! This AH-HA
is present throughout our lives in the Lord as we shout. cheer, applaud
and say "AH-HA and hooray" to those around us!
Today's lesson is a great summary of the life in the Lord that we acclaim daily. We are justified by his grace. which means we live "just as if I'd never sinned." The Babe born in the manger whom we celebrate these days is
the reason for the reason we are free to acclaim his love and forgiveness
to others ... starting with ourselves!
Ruth Graham, wife of Billy Graham. had it right when she said that a "happy 'marriage is the union of two forgivers." We acclaim that this is what the Church is all about also---a commUNION of forgivers in Christ!
The Church has not survived for over 2000 years because of our optimism, idealism or realism, but because the Spirit has empowered his people to
acclaim and witness to the birth, death, and resurrection of the Lord! Our
job is not to fix the world but to forgive the world through Christ Jesus!

Lord, we applaud, praise and acclaim your name. And even when
we do not acclaim your name, we know that you claim us as your forgiven
people! Help us. Lord, to say. like St. Paul, " This is a faithful saying!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Titus 3:4-8

4 (Titus 2:10-11) But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour
toward mankind appeared,
5 (Ro 12:2; 1Pe 3:21) not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth
and the renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 (Ro 5:5; Joel 2:28) whom He poured out on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 (Ro 8:17; Titus 1:2) so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 (1Ti 1:15; Titus 2:14) This is a faithful saying, and these things I want
you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to everyone.

From <a href="https://oneagleswings.ca/"> On Eagle's Wings </a>
The 6:15 AM Revelation

5 The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.

[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 1:5

Every morning my alarm goes off at 6:15 am. On those bright
summer mornings in Fort Smith, I jump out of bed full of energy and
ready to go. But as the days grow shorter and our hours of sunlight
pass by almost as quickly as the blink of an eye, each morning
becomes harder and harder. Yet no matter the day, no matter the
season, the sun rises slowly and steadily, shifting the whole
perspective of the day.
As hard as those days are - as much as I'd rather stay in my warm
bed and close my eyes for just one minute longer - I force myself up
into the cold bathroom, splash cold water on my face, and walk into
the dark living room. Not ready, but willing to start the new day God
has given me.
When the sun shines bright, life is easy. But when darkness seems
to linger on and on, we must turn our face toward the light that
shines in the darkness - the light that overcomes the darkness.
St. John of the Cross, in his great poem "Dark Night of the Soul,"
teaches that it is precisely in the darkness that we are united with
God. If there is no darkness, there is no light to overcome it.
And so the beauty of Advent isn't premature joy - it's the darkness
that precedes the light. If today you stand in the dark, rejoice,
because it is in the darkness that we are transformed into the light.

Father Aaron Solberg
St. JohnrCOs Anglican Church, Fort Smith

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray that you continue in the things which you have learned and has been assured of, knowing of whom you hast learned them;
And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are
able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus for
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, may I look beyond differences
to share Jesus' mercy with others."

Pray to the Lord and pray to have the correct attitude about forgiveness.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know His Word does not return void.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know that the effectual fervent prayer
of a righteous man availeth much.

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

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

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

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

Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences

Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy

We give thanks to you, 0 Lord, because you are good,
and because you gave us Jesus. Give us truly grateful hearts.

Pray: Equip us wholly, Lord, to serve you the best we can. Amen.

Pray: Lord, we applaud, praise and acclaim your name. And even when
we do not acclaim your name, we know that you claim us as your forgiven
people! Help us. Lord, to say. like St. Paul, " The saying is sure!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Heavenly Father, help us to embrace our darkness with the same
anticipation and excitement we bring to Advent - waiting for the
light of Christmas. And when that light shines strong upon our dark
night of the soul, equip us to carry it forward and share it with
those whose darkness seems impenetrable. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Pray for Christian converts in Uganda encountering opposition
from members of their own families and communities.

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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