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