THE RACE
Today’s Reading: Acts 19-20
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
This theatre, first constructed in the 3rd century BC, was the most magnificent structure in the ancient city of Ephesus. During the Roman period, it was expanded to seat 25,000 people. It is referenced in today's reading (Acts 19:29).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
“I fought with beasts at Ephesus!” (1 Corinthians 15:32a). It could’ve been in the theatre pictured above. That, plus other events in today’s reading, over a period of three years, succeeded in planting a strong Church in a city given to the worship of the goddess Diana. When we arrive in our daily blog at Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we’ll experience the depth of their understanding of Christ. Even this Church, as strong as they were, could drift away from their first love (Revelation 2:1-7). In Ephesus, Paul found Jewish men who believed in Jesus through a disciple of John the Baptist. Obviously the one who shared the story of Jesus had left Jerusalem before the Holy Spirit came upon the 120 in the upper room (Acts 2:4). Here is another outpouring of God’s Spirit which was manifested outwardly in the same way. We should experience the Holy Spirit in our lives too. Let’s not stop short of all God has for us. Amen!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, re-kindle in me the fire of my first love. Blow with the mighty rushing wind of Your Spirit upon the embers of my life which sometimes just smolder. By faith I welcome You, Holy Spirit, as I spend further time in prayer. Amen! Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I have prayed with the Spirit and with the understanding also (1 Corinthians 14:15). As prophecy is for the edification of others, I’ll continue with my blog. A few days ago I referred to Revelation 19:10. I need reminders…”For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” The most thorough, yet concise, testimony of Jesus is an evidence of the spirit of prophecy. Paul wrote this powerful statement: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3b-4). This may be the first such confession in writing in the Greek Scriptures. The Scriptures to which Paul refers are those written in Hebrew, which he spent a lifetime studying. This was how Paul was able to speak so convincingly, for three whole months, in the synagogue of Ephesus (19:8). Today, the area of Turkey that was ancient Ephesus has a majority Muslim population. O God! Help me never to lose my first love for You, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Muslims believe that God is not a “Father” and that He has no Son. I exalt You, Jesus, Son of the living God! You are risen from the dead and You are forever alive. Amen! Amen!!!!!!! That’s New Testament prophecy. It flows out of me in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Yours for God’s Spirit to flow through us both,
David
David I want to pray the same pray as you just did
God bless you and all our bloggers
Lianne Hogg
Heart-rendering study today. Thank u for all your comments in helping to understand the scripture Rev.
Love this time of year with Christmas music playing in all the stores and everyone being so friendly. How I pray we all remember the true meaning of Christmas.
God bless us everyone.
Sorry, meant heart-rending:-)
I do wonder how muslims came to believe that God is not a Father. I guess they do not believe His Spirit is with those who believe. Lord, open the eyes of all people. Magnify Your Name through all the earth. Help us to do our part. Amen.
David’s prayer today reminds me of an old hymn
Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew
so I may love what dost love and do what what dost would do
The whole hymn can be heard here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5keJHZdWYM
Whoops that should have read
so that I may love what Thou dost love and do what Thou wouldst do
There is a saying, ‘the more things change, the more they remain the same’. Todays reading about the rioting in Ephesus, reminds me of all the unrest going on for weeks now, in several cities of the US and Canada. It is amazing how the majority of the people that are involved in these uprisings, don’t even know the facts about the event. Certainly the police have done wrong, but burning police cars, burning buildings and beating people up is not the answer. We need more Alexanders ( Acts 19:33 ) in positions of leadership in this world, who can speak with wisdom, and exercise their authority in such a way that we can respect and follow them. Let us all pay more heed to 1 Timothy 2:1-3. Pray for all levels of authority, and if the leaders do not lead properly, then we have an obligation at the next election to ‘throw the Bums out’.
People who do not know and believe in the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit have some very “good ear plugs” and some very “:good blinders” for they cannot hear or see the truth. It would seem to me that the devil is leading them astray HOWEVER Our God is bigger, stronger, and He will judge the non-believers! Our God is Lord over all, He is over the evil, and if it hurts us that some are not accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, imagine how God must feel! Pray our concert goes well tonight. blessings to all and prayers of shouts, praise and thanksgiving to God Almighty for those who have won over their addictions and are walking free and tall in the Lord. GOD REIGNS OVER ALL, THE GOOD, BAD AND THE UGLY BUT BECAUSE OF HIS RESURRECTION WE ALL HAVE THE VICTORY OVER OUR SINS!
Great message David. Thank you Lord Jesus for helping us to overcome and see some answers to our prayers! Good song Donna!
please pray that concert goes well….pray that people will HEAR THE WORD OF GOD PROCLAIMED THROUGH MUSIC AND THE WORD OF GOD! Please pray for financial prosperity. I am s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d- against the wall. Trying not to loose hope. thank you
Oh, Amen, David Mainse!! Oh Jesus, You are alive and well in the power of the Holy Spirit that breathes in us–Your saints! We worship and adore You!
Paul is my favorite saint!! <3 Paul sought to run the race and finish it well, bringing everyone he crossed paths with to come to know, love and serve You, Jesus! Somehow, it is not ironic that the place Paul preached for You, is now, 2000+ years later, populated with non-believing Muslims. You, God, are in control and have a plan that is far bigger, much deeper, and ever greater, than any of us could imagine or hope to know. Come Lord Jesus, come!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter 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. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted (Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV).
Yes Lord, re-kindle in me the fire of my first love, I pray!!!