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, resulted in Paul successfully 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 and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, help me never to lose my first love for You! 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 us in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Yours for God’s Spirit to flow through us all,
David
It so comforts me to think of what a mighty man of God that Paul became and how God used him, in spite of how as a young man Paul (Saul) hated and murdered the christians!
Brings me great comfort and confidence that our Heavenly Father will see me safely home too, undeserving as I am.
What a wonderful saviour we all have….may many more come to know him!
May we all have a wonderful day, with Jesus as our companion, guide and protector!
Amen, Anne! Amen!
Amen Anne well said,
Amen,Amen
Yes, Amen Anne
Thank You, Lord God, for all Your people. Thank You for Paul and all those who gave their own lives to follow You and to bring others – even us! – to You. Bless all those who are in difficult, even dangerous, situations, Father. Strengthen them in Your Holy Spirit, and may Your Word go out more today than ever before to all people everywhere. Give each of us courage, wisdom, love, and boldness as we live to honour You. In Jesus’s great name, amen
Afraid of What?
by E.H. Hamilton
E.H. Hamilton, a Presbyterian missionary to China, wrote the poem below to reflect upon and commemorate the martyrdom of his fellow missionary J.W. Vinson (1880-1931). In October 1931, as Vinson visited some believers 18 miles from his mission station, the area was overwhelmed by a group of 600 bandits. Vinson was taken hostage along with around 150 others. Offered freedom if he would write a letter to the commanding officer of government troops telling them to withdraw, Vinson declined “unless all the hostages are released”. The bandit chief refused and Vinson was shot and killed. His decapitated body was later found by Edward Currie, and he was buried in the small missionary cemetery in Haichow.
As his captors prepared to execute Vinson, waving a gun in his face they asked him, “Are you afraid?”. A girl who witnessed the event later testified that Vison replied, “No. If you shoot, I go straight to heaven.” This incident inspired E.H. Hamilton to write his poem.
Afraid? Of what?
To feel the spirit’s glad release?
To pass from pain to perfect peace,
The strife and strain of life to cease?
Afraid? Of that?
Afraid? Of what?
Afraid to see the Saviour’s face,
To hear His welcome, and to trace,
The glory gleam from wounds of grace,
Afraid? Of that?
Afraid? Of what?
A flash – a crash – a pierced heart;
Brief darkness – Light – O Heaven’s art!
A wound of His a counterpart!
Afraid? Of that?
Afraid? Of what?
To enter into Heaven’s rest,
And yet to serve the Master blessed?
From service good to service best?
Afraid? Of that?
Afraid? Of what?
To do by death what life could not –
Baptise with blood a stony plot,
Till souls shall blossom from that spot?
Afraid? Of that?
Magnificent Poem (and so meaningful with the context).
Thank you,
Rob, Anne, (known and unknown), for prayers today.
Truly divine!! Thank you Rob for posting that poem!! Such a blessing!!
Rob: I Really enjoyed your words and the poem.
A wonderful true story and poem. God’s blessing on all bloggers
Paul certainly was a treasure – dedicated and determined no matter what the situation was. He really knew God. Without hesitation, he threw himself on to the fallen young man and his life returned. That is faith in God. Blessings on all today – very cold in Southern Ontario (inside and out)!
Thank you Doreen, yes it sure is cold here in Halton as well.
Amen Anne and Rob.
Hi HJR. I have been thinking off your husband Joseph, Joe and Mike in Fargo. I hope they are continuing to improve. The Lord hears our player so I will continue to pray for them.
Blessings to all Eleanor M
Amen
Amen, Rob and Anne
Amen Rob and Anne. Thank you Beverlee. Got help today to clean my driveway. Thank you Lord.