SCRIPTURES AND PRAYER
Today’s Reading: Romans 15
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).
The Roman Colosseum was commissioned in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian. It was completed by his son, Titus, in 80. The Colosseum is located just east of the Roman Forum and was built to a practical design, with its 80 arched entrances allowing easy access to 55,000 spectators, who were seated according to rank. The Colosseum is huge, measuring 188m long and 156m wide. Originally, 240 masts were attached to stone corbels on the 4th level to provide shade. Vespasian ordered the Colosseum to be build on the site of Nero’s palace, to dissociate himself from the hated tyrant. His aim was to gain popularity by staging deadly combats of gladiators and wild animal fights for public viewing. Massacre was on a huge scale: at inaugural games in AD 80, over 9,000 wild animals were killed. It is believed that many Christians were martyred there.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Romans 15:30
Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me…
If Paul, the mighty Apostle, needed prayer, how much more do we need to ask those who believe in the God who hears and answers prayer to pray for us. “Strive together” speaks of finding others with whom to pray. Prayer meetings at our churches and home prayer groups are very important. Our Crossroads ministry prayer partners are available 24/7. Call 1-866-273-4444 for prayer! Did you notice that Paul said, “with me”? He saw his personal prayers and those of other believers as one before God’s throne of grace.
In Romans 15:4 the ultimate importance of the “Scriptures” is emphasized. Our readings daily are producing “patience and comfort.” The knowledge of the “Scriptures” brings “hope.” Reading the Scriptures and spending time in prayer guarantees a two-way conversation with God. Let Him talk to us first, and then respond in prayer to what He may have said to us through His inspired Word!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, in today’s reading You have spoken to me about several matters. First of all, the importance of the Scriptures and also the absolute essential practice of prayer. Please keep me faithful. You’ve also spoken to me about truly loving others, Jews and Gentiles alike. Twice Paul mentions going to Spain. You’ve spoken to me to keep a vision for the future. By the working of Your Spirit in me, I pray for an obedient response on my part. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I need your prayers. Thank you to those who’ve let me know that they are praying for me! I believe that God is saying “Yes” to those prayer requests. While I seldom get to answer individually the letters, e-mails, and blog comments, I do read prayerfully every communication sent to me. Thank you! Thank You! Thank You!
Paul mentioned Spain twice in our reading. Crossroads also has a vision for Spain and the whole world. Back in 1992, we sponsored a soul-winning Pavilion at Spain’s World Expo. We saw over 53,000 first-time decisions for Christ recorded. These precious people signed up for a Bible correspondence course and were followed-up around the world by Scripture Union. Here’s another prayer, “Lord Jesus, would you let Paul know about this Crossroads mission if he doesn’t already know?” I believe he would be blessed to hear about this effective outreach for You in Spain. Thank You Jesus!” Thanks to all the Crossroads supporters who continue to make our many outreaches possible by giving so faithfully and generously. Let’s rally around our team, YES LORD!!!!
Yours for paying attention to what God is saying to us as we read, and then praying for His will to be done in all things,
David
The Father’s richest blessing on all bloggers, and praying for all people throughout the world for PEACE and HARMONY.
Amen, Blessed. Thank you.
I didn’t get the posting today. I recalled yesterday’s & it opened for today’s date. Thankfully! Blessings on all today and praying for God’s intervention in the instability in the USA, in Jesus Name. Amen.
I opened the reading today, and what did God say?
“We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them.” (1-9)
Father, You are so good to us. Please forgive us for being obnoxious to others. You know our sinful hearts, yet You welcome us to come to You. You clean us, forgive us, and make us new. And You tell us to accept each other as You accept us. You command us to love each other. Please, Lord, help us, as Paul writes, “to live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.”
We need You, Lord, and we praise You for Your work in us, through us, and in all this world. In Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen Rob.
To God be the Glory for His Unconditional love
for all of us in the whole world.
May our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ’s Will be
done in all things, in His Holy Name, Amen.
Amen
Let us go on dear saints looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. This is the time we as Christians need to stick together and let our light shine. Amen? Only time will tell what is going to happen now. If we don’t give up we will see the answers to our prayers and a great harvest. Thank you for your patience with me on this blog especially you dear Beverlee. God bless you!
Following is the latest update about Mike from Fargo/Jamestown
They are so grateful for all prayers
“it has been a very long time since I update this site but wanted to give you the latest progress with Mike and what our family has been going through.
Mike moved to Ave Maria in Jamestown from Eventide over the past couple of weeks. He is getting more therapy and at therapy, he is using different techniques and equipment and they are offering more speech therapy. Recently, Ave Maria just opened internal visitation and hopefully, outside soon. He has a great mindset to get better and work harder at his recovery. His feeding tube has been removed and he has had a couple of dentist appointments. He has a lot of work to do to become more self-sufficient. He was able to visit Mom (Alice) and his family a few times over the holidays which was an eye-opener for Mike to realize he has a lot of work to do to become more self-sufficient and independent. He hopes to drive again, shop again, and take Tawni to school again. He is definitely moving forward! Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Dean (California) – Dean is the 3rd to the youngest of 7 and has stage 4 cancer. He is really struggling and has had surgery and now chemo since November. He has been handling this for quite some time. Please pray for Dean for strength and positivity as he navigates these difficult waters.
Mom – Alice continues to have the “MOM WARRIOR” title. She is so strong and courageous through all of this. Mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in mid-December and she had a lumpectomy. Today, we found out that that was the worse type of cancer she could have had and she needs to have chemotherapy and radiation to deter cancer from going to other areas of her body. Please pray for Mom (Alice) as she moves through these difficult times.
That is all for now! We appreciate all of your continued support and prayers!
Mike’s Family”
This was one of many prayers for Mike but I believe it is worthy of many Amens
“God, You are good. Mike is proof that You are still in the miracle working business. Lord, there are many members of this family that are struggling. You see it all. You know it all. I come boldly before Your throne of Grace seeking healing … hearts, minds, bodies and souls. Give them peace and wisdom. In Jesus name I pray. ”
Amen
Amen to the above prayer for Mike, his Mom Alice
and Dean, in Jesus’ Holy Name I pray, Amen.
HRJ It was good to read the update on Mike I am agreeing with your prayers for Mike, Dean and Alice.
Blessings to all, Eleanor M.
What is the last name of Mike from Fargo? I would like to write him.
HJR Agreeing with your prayer for Dean, Alice and Mike. Thanks for the update on Mike, he seems to be doing very well.
God bless all of us, Eleanor M.
Amen✝️
I was praying for Mike earlier today and wondering how he was doing. Thank you for the update. This family is sure in need of our prayers. Our Heavenly Father has not abandoned them and He never will. Let us help them in their time of need by interceding for them. Our God is Omnipotent and He can handle their situation.
May God bless Dean and cure his cancer miraculously, and give comfort and strenght to Mike as he moves through life, he sounds like he knows what direction he is going in FOWARD, and for Alice I pray for comfort as she goes through the treaments chemo and radiation, I too have been through this and was alone (widowed just prior to be told I had breast cancer) but asking for God’s strenght when needed He definately lifted me up.
Have a blessed Sunday to each and every blogger . May God have mercy on all bloggers and bless the planet with PEACE AND HARMONY.