Thursday, December 1, 2022

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

11 thoughts on “Thursday, December 1, 2022

  1. Thank You, Father, for Paul and all the great leaders of Your church. Bless all those You call Your own – strengthen each one to do the work You have given. Thank You, Father, in Jesus’s great name, amen

  2. PTL for a successful surgery. There were some minors issues
    but the doctors and nurses are dedicated personnel.
    Grateful that it is done and now waiting for continued healing
    and followup appts. Thank you to each blogger who prayed
    for successful surgery and good travelling conditions.

  3. Blessings Selma. May your healing and strengthening continue! I have a Jewish neighbour whom I enjoy talking with. She is a dedicated Jewish person. Please pray that God will open her eyes to the fact that Messiah has come and He IS HER SAVIOUR. With a beautiful Christmas tree in our lobby, I mentioned it’s beautiful (not thinking!). Her eyes just told me she wasn’t interested. Sonia is a lovely person (widow). Thanks

  4. Amen and praise the Lord for Selma’s successful surgery and praying for continued healing. Praying also for Doreen’s neighbour that her eyes and ears be opened to salvation
    I lift all those in need of prayer to you Lord, You know their needs and may You bless and keep each one. Amen

  5. Hello fellow bloggers – I think there is an error in the reading today. Yesterday we read Acts 8 – 9, and today it has jumped to Acts 19 – 20. I checked back to December 1, 2020 and the reading is for Acts 10. I wonder if there is someone at 100 Huntley that can check if there is an error.
    So good to hear that the surgery went well Selma. Praise the Lord!

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