Three years ago, my husband and I witnessed a miracle. We watched as God planted a church before our eyes. By His kindness, we were part of it. At first, the odds seemed stacked against us. We were small, with few resources. Some carried wounds from hard seasons; others faced major life changes. Yet prayerfully, we stepped out in faith. Over time, God added to our number, provided for us, and strengthened us in Christ. He let us plant the very church we needed.
Church planting is both joyful and difficult. It pushes us outside of our comfort zone, stretches our patience, and builds perseverance. Many hesitate to join such work. Yet Acts 18 shows us that someone had to plant the first churches.
I’ve come to realize that if I love my Savior, I must also love what He loves. Jesus loves the Church. The Church is His body and His bride—the blood-bought people of God from every tribe, tongue, and nation who repent and believe. Jesus laid down His life to make His church holy, righteous, and pure before Him.
Paul, Priscilla, Aquila, Titius Justus, Crispus, Silas, Timothy, and so many others deeply understood this. They didn’t establish the Corinthian church for what the church could offer them but because of their great love for Jesus. You see, God’s saints share the gospel and make disciples wherever they go because they cherish what Christ has done for them, and they take His commands to heart.
It was God’s plan for His people to be involved in the expansion of His kingdom. And Jesus wanted His disciples to know that loving Him means loving those He loves. And boy does Jesus love His people.
In our passage today, God instructed Paul not to keep silent in the face of opposition. At the end of the day, it’s freeing to know that we can simply be faithful with His message and entrust the results to Him. The Corinthian church would go on to face divisions and strife, but God did not abandon them. He preserved them, disciplined them, and used them mightily to build His kingdom.
Thank God for those who planted the churches we are a part of today. Not all of us are called to plant a church like our Corinthian brothers and sisters did, but all of us have been called by God to love and build up His bride. Do you love the people of God because Christ loves them? Do you tend to think about the church for what it offers you, or do you think of the church as family members to love? What is the church’s place in your life? Our Savior adores His bride. If we love Him, He can help us love her too.
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126 thoughts on "Founding the Corinthian Church"
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What stood out to me today from the reading and devotional: “ God instructed Paul not to keep silent in the face of opposition. ”
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I loved this devotional today! Just yesterday at church we were learning about different denominations, but how if they agree on the foundational truths of the gospel are one in Christ. I sometimes tend to think just about my church, but I know that Jesus calls us to love the Church which is all around the world, meet up of all different ethnicities and cultures.
I will apologize now for my lengthy post (but at least it is mostly lyrics!) I forget how much I like to have Christian radio playing. I recently heard a song by Matthew West that I love. It reminds me that what seems impossible to me isn’t for Him. (I was thinking about Matt, in particular, of course.) There is a line in there about prodigals too…
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Lyrics of Don’t Stop Praying by Matthew West
verse
What′s your impossible? Your “I need a miracle”
What’s got you barely hanging by a single thread?
What looks so hopeless now? What weighs down your heart with doubt?
You beg for a breakthrough, but no sign of breakthrough yet
pre-chorus
When you′ve cried, and you’ve cried ’til your tears run dry
The answer won′t come, and you don′t know why
And you wonder if you can bow your head even one more time
chorus
Don’t stop praying
Don′t stop calling on Jesus’ name
Keep on pounding on Heaven′s door
And let your knees wear out the floor
Don’t stop believing
′Cause mountains move with just a little faith
And your Father’s heard every single word you’re saying
So, don′t stop praying
verse
He′s close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
The Alpha and Omega knows how your story ends
pre-chorus
When you’ve cried, and you′ve cried ’til your tears run dry
The answer won′t come, and you don’t know why
And you wonder if you can bow your head even one more time
Oh, do it one more time
chorus
And don′t stop praying
Don’t stop calling on Jesus’ name
Keep on pounding on Heaven′s door
And let your knees wear out the floor
Don′t stop believing
‘Cause mountains move with just a little faith
And your Father′s heard every single word you’re saying
So, don′t stop praying
hook
(Don’t stop, don′t stop praying)
Oh-oh
(Don’t stop, don’t stop praying) oh, don′t stop praying
(Don′t stop, don’t stop praying)
Oh-oh
bridge
Don′t stop praying for the prodigal
Don’t stop praying for the miracle
Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen
Don′t stop praying that addictions end
Don’t stop praying for deliverance
Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen
Oh, don′t stop praying for the sickness healed
Don’t stop praying for His power revealed
Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen
No, don’t stop praying for the Kingdom come
Don′t stop praying that His will be done
Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen
chorus
Don′t stop praying
Don’t stop calling on Jesus′ name
Keep on pounding on Heaven’s door
Let your knees wear out the floor
Don′t stop believing
‘Cause mountains move with just a little faith
And your Father′s heard every single word you’re sayin’
So, don′t stop praying
outro
(Don′t stop, don’t stop praying)
(Don′t stop, don’t stop praying) oh, don′t stop praying
(Don’t stop, don′t stop praying) hey, don’t you give up now
No, don’t stop praying
Writer(s): Matthew West, Jeff Pardo
The lyrics are SO powerful. Thank you for sharing. Continued prayers for Matt.
Thank you.
Yes, Adrienne, this is such a great song. It isn’t given enough radio time. ❤
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Happy Monday shes. I am loving the devotional today, especially the striking questions that pierce the heart at the end? “Do you love the people of God…?” “Do you tend to think about the church for what it offers you…?”. WOW thank you BEVERLY.
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What stood out to me is, in Acts 18, the Lord tells Paul, “Don’t be afraid. Keep speaking. Don’t stay quiet. I’m with you, and no one is going to lay a hand on you to hurt you, because I have many people in this city.” And then literally two verses down, it says “the Jews made a united attack against Paul”. Ouch. So my fleshly mind couldn’t help but thinking, “did God keep His promise?” Oh Lord forgive me my foolishness. When I actually slowed down and read it carefully (chewing on Scriptures and letting Scriptures teach me), I realized what God promised Paul, He said, “No one will lay a hand on you to harm you”, the promise was not “you will face no opposition”. That’s a big difference. Forgive me my ignorance Lord. I realized how many times I’ve interpreted God’s promises the wrong way, and then reaped some disappointments in God when things got hard (keeping it real). I expected peace to mean no resistance, when that’s not what God ever said. Anyone else? When we look at Paul, and even earlier chapters in Acts, the apostles were beaten, thrown into dark prisons, and somehow they were rejoicing. What’s behind that joy? The right mindset (the spirit of a sound mind- 2 Tim 1:7). Because they already expected opposition. Their expectations were set right. They didn’t see resistance as God failing, they saw it as part of following Christ. Somewhere along the way, I think a lot of us pick up this quiet assumption, the soft Christianity that says: “If God is with me, resistance will stop”. But Scripture says the opposite: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). So when opposition shows up, it is wrong to think, “Did God fail me?” The better question is, “Okay God, You’re still in this with me, You said You are the ever present help in times of trouble, what limits have You set?” He said “no weapons formed against us shall prosper”, notice weapons will still form in front of eyes. They just won’t succeed. God’s protection doesn’t mean the absence of conflicts or persecutions in our lives. If anything, it often means we will. And the resistance itself is often a sign that we’re walking in obedience. Opposition is not the proof that God left, but evidence that we are following Him. Oh my goodness, talking about renewing the mind through Scriptures. Help me Lord to count your goodness and faithfulness in the persecution and pain. I have a prayer request, I am dealing with a heavy mental burden and I pray that I could give it to the Lord fully, I thought I already did cast it off but then found myself internalizing and being entangled, I would appreciate your prayers to be set free. Thank you shes. Joining you in prayers for the prodigals. Thank you TAMI for updating (incredible). Be blessed dear sisters.
I will be praying for you, that God will set you free from the mental burden you are carrying. May His peace be upon you. ❤️
Thank you SHARON ❤️ Hugs and love.
Agreeing; amen! ❤
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Great post, Mercy! ❤ Hugs, sister!!!
.joining in with all in prayers
I’ve been blessed to see firsthand through my daughter about church planting.
In 1999, when she went to Baylor, she attended a new church that had just started.
The pastor had been at a local Baptist Church and they sent him out to start this new church they named Antioch Community Church.
During the next couple of years, she decided after graduation she wanted to move to Sheffield England to be part of a church plant. Her church has a one year program you go through to prepare you for church planting. She attended that school and moved to Sheffield England. She then got married to someone from Waco and she and her husband continued to be part of the church plant in Sheffield for several years. They are back in Waco now. Antioch has church plants all over the United States and many countries.
This next weekend, their church will be having what is called World Mandate.
“World Mandate is a gathering of young people that seek to worship God and change the world. We believe we can see the Kingdom of God established on earth in our generation by going to the uttermost parts of the earth to share the gospel.”
It’s two days full of singing, worshiping, and teachings!
It is so beautiful to see God’s vision for this community. My granddaughter is a junior in high school and when she came to visit this summer she was talking about her future and said after she graduates from college, she wants to go through the Antioch Church church planting training school. ❤️
Martha, what a great testimony and encouragement! It is great to hear from you! ❤
What a wonderful testimony Martha, and a beautiful thing for your daughter, son in law & granddaughter to be a part of – praise God!
I’m sorry to have missed last night. I volunteer as an EMT and we got a call for someone who was unresponsive and not breathing. Unfortunately, he did not make it after long attempt to save him. He was not a Christian and neither is his family. Small town, we know most people. Most all of the responders on scene were Christians and go to my church, including Pastor Rob, our church pastor. Please pray for this family, through this, they may come to know the Lord.
How heartbreaking
Praying
Praying for this situation.
Praying. ❤
Praying for the family. And for you – it can’t be easy to do that kind of work, especially when the person doesn’t make it. ❤️
Lifting up his family in prayer! Praying over you and your coworkers as well. That can be such a mentally and physically challenging job!
Praying❤️
GM! At last nite’s Google Meet, I mentioned how this study has been a struggle for me. (I just used this morning as my “Grace Day”… I did that last week too. Grr!!) I am doing a 90-Day Bible reading challenge (and stay current on that… why not this?) Maybe with that, Paul’s eye, Matt, and this whole retirement thing… I am more than distracted.
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Anywho… It caught me off-guard this morning… “tentmakers by trade”…. I’ve read it before, obviously, but… Paul didn’t have a “trade”, I didn’t think. So, I did some digging. Study notes in my NIV Bible say that Paul would have been taught this trade as a youth. It was Jewish custom to provide manual training for sons, whether rich or poor. So, now I know.
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P.S. No news on Matt today. As soon as I hear anything, I’ll post here and on FB.
Continued prayers for Matt.
Thanks!
Praying for all the requests!
Church plants are tough but it is exciting to see what God does!
We just had a meeting of leaders at our church about continuing to grow in the Lord and getting better! Our church has church plants across our city and could be satisfied with status quo but our pastor has a vision to reach the lost not to get bigger but put God where people need Him!
This year I will be 70 and my husband is 76. We want to serve God as long as we are on earth! God has blessed us so much, we can not be consumers but servants and follow Christ’s example. And when we are weak, He gives us strength for whatever we are needed to do! God is so faithful and loving, what more could we do to honor Him? I’m so grateful!
Didn’t mean to sound preaching just felt like sharing my heart. It is so full today!
Praying for all. For the prodigals, just think, if Jesus could change Saul to Paul, he can turn anyone’s heart around! Love you all!
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Amen to that!
I work for a church planting network and it is exciting to see how God is continuing to use The Church to reach people all over the world. We have planters in so many countries and it is difficult for them but also so encouraging to see how He uses them to reach the world. Let’s pray for all the church planters in countries where they are persecuted and also here in America where the Body of Christ is so desperately needed to reach all the people seeking for answers. Jesus is that answer. May we present him to our world, wherever we serve or live, in love and truth.
Amen! That must be very exciting to see them succeed all over the world- and to verify that Jesus wants the church to multiply by us, His bride!
I loved the study SRT did about The Churches, I can’t remember the name. But it would be worth going back to!
Yes and Amen!
…And Jesus wanted His disciples to know that loving Him means loving those He loves. Well said, Beverly! Couldn’t have said it better! “Jesus loves that little children, all the children of the world. Red and Yellow, Black and White they are precious in His sight.”
Beverly said,
“I’ve come to realize that if I love my Savior, I must also love what He loves. Jesus loves the Church. The Church is His body and His bride—the blood-bought people of God from every tribe, tongue, and nation who repent and believe. Jesus laid down His life to make His church holy, righteous, and pure before Him.”
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Back in early 2000’s, we were blessed to be ‘charter members’ of a new church. That church had a firm foundation since it was started by a church in a city nearby to help satisfy needs in the community. The church is still going today. We currently ate members of a church with a long and faithful history. What a joy to be part of each cycle.
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So many names in today’s read- there, as always, for a purpose.
The humility of Apollos stood out to me as did the compassion of Aquilla and Priscilla. Note taken!
How do I follow their examples in ‘loving what Jesus loves’?
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
“I must love what He loves” – amen.
It was God’s plan for His people to be involved in the expansion of His kingdom.
What a committed, faithful, preserving example Paul is to us. It is so easy for is to slip into the mindset of what can the church do for me, rather than how can I be a part of expanding the kingdom. Paul’s focus was on teaching, preaching and speaking Truth in an effort for others to really know Jesus. I have the privilege of working in a church, in a supportive role, not front line leadership so it is my heart to serve in the way I have been called and be a part of building up the body of Christ. Paul’s example reminds me to not get too caught up in my tasks, and forget that the purpose is to point others to Jesus. May this be my focus as well.
Good Morning She’s!
I have set forth a Prayer Challenge for us this week! Simple, pray to God to give you opportunities this week to step out of your comfort zone and step in action! To be more bold and courageous, coming out of warm, to hot for Jesus! Being disciples like those in Acts to tell the unbelievers about Jesus…through prayer this week! Or maybe you will pray for a fellow believer, but in a normal situation where you would never dare! Just pray for the Holy Spirit to convict you the opportunity! You will know!
Let us know when it happens on FB page!! And how it felt!My pastor once said the worst place to be as a Christ followers is comfortable! But oh we like our comfortableness in American church!
My one experience of being a part of a new church plant- hurt and rejection. Not from others, but from the pastor. When we met with him, the exciting meeting came to a screeching halt when it was spoken that we weren’t married yet! The problem- we were living together. I left Panera with mascara streamed eyes and a prideful, mad heart! It still kinda sets wrong today…yet, over on HRT he talks about how Appolos was filled with eagerness and was even gifted! BUT. He needed some talking too. As I did. How could I be in leadership in a new church, an example of loving Jesus, yet, not obeying Christ, picking and choosing my own way. No, Appolos was humble enough to take correction, it was important to the welfare of those that would look to him! That is us too, non-believers are looking at you as a Christian and you are being judged. It’s important that we LIVE correctly in the word if we say we love him. Not being perfect, but doing what we know to be his word, even when it’s not convenient for us. I knew we were getting married,(he hadn’t proposed yet haha) but I was willing to do what I wanted even though I knew it was sin and not a good example.
Are we able to correct others? If we are leading others are we living as we teach? Will it do more damage to our witness and testimony if we are being hypocritical? Do as I teach but not as I do. Are we putting aside our comfort to make hard choices?
Apollos’ humility stood out to me, too. Thanks for sharing your personal example here! ❤
A great challenge. Thank you RHONDA.
Ditto to what Mercy said! ❤️
I have the honor and privilege in my church to walk along side a lot of different people, backgrounds, etc.
This devotional has struck the cords of my heart. From the time that I surrendered my heart to Christ I have had a desire to serve Him. The church I was saved in, I was a part of until I got married and we went off to Bible college. I served in all kinds of ways in my church – not because I had to but because I wanted to, then in each church we were in until God called us to our own ministry – in which I served and still do.
What has been heartbreaking to me, is to see how our church went from a nice medium size body to a very small one. Why? Because a good portion of the body didn’t want to serve – they wanted to be served. Our church didn’t have certain things – mainly because people weren’t willing to step up and do them, so little by little we lost people to other churches that had bigger and better “things” to offer. The sad part is, at our church the Bible is taught without compromise, and the people we do have now are the most loving and servants hearts but it’s difficult to offer things with so little to do the work.
I guess I share all this, not so you’ll feel sorry or sad but that all would consider the questions presented to us this morning…
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“Do you love the people of God because Christ loves them? Do you tend to think about the church for what it offers you, or do you think of the church as family members to love? What is the church’s place in your life?”
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I encourage you for the next time you are facing a church move, for whatever reason – I urge you to look for a church that’s small, one you can be seen in, one where everyone will get to know you and you them and most importantly one that needs faithful, committed servants who would be willing to fill the needs.
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I am reminded of some the words to a song of years past, I think the name of it is “Make Me A Servant, this is just a small portion of it –
Make me a servant humble and meek, Lord let me lift up those who are weak, Lord May the prayer of my life always be, make me a servant today.
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May each of us have a servants heart today. Be blessed sisters! ❤️
Your words remind us that serving in ministry leadership is hard. May the Lord encourage and strengthen your heart (your husband too) as you faithfully serve. Thank you for doing so❤️
Amen! ❤
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Sharon, I love that you share your struggles from the inside position! It helps us to better support our own pastors, wives, and staff. We, too, have lost many young families to larger churches, but the love within the existing body is so strong. It’s a blessing to gather with them in worship. I think, too, that with the technology today many are ‘choosing’ online services rather than using tham as necessity (when sick, etc.) Do they continue to contribute financially?
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I agree, small churches have so much to offer. The best church foremost is one that preaches the Bible, much and without compromise!! But after that, it is not what the church offers us, but what we offer to the Lord. When we were church hunting, of course we started with a Google search. Looking at their belief first, then other things. I did not want a “mega church” but yet I needed one that offered groups, community serving opportunities , and good music! The first time I went to my now church I was thrilled they were on a study of Corinthians,not just a verse, but reading scripture by scripture, the whole book. It is bigger than I would like with 3 services. One was a Saturday night that made sense, with 2 on Sundays. But now they have moved it to all 3 on Sundays (which of course makes sense for the pastor and staff and volunteers). We are in SWF though, where many snowbirds and month long visitors come and want a church they can just come in and worship and praise, knowing they are staying. So I guess it works. We encourage groups and serving. It is a hard balance for sure. How can you not want growth in a church no matter your current size. But I miss the small church feel in many ways.
One factor is that you always need to be growing in the word and your sanctification. God doesn’t want us to be still, or we are actually floating backwards. We are to be growing more Holy as he is Holy!
I pray for your church often Sharon. I know God kept ya’ll there for it to prosper!!
Thank you for sharing this! I have attended the same church since I was born (29 years), and I too am struck by how much smaller the crowd is on Sundays than it was when I was little. BUT the thing that I notice more than anything is how much LOVE there is in this smaller group of believers. It feels like a family, and folks are united in a desire to serve one another and to serve the Church. In the past couple years, we have seen a slight increase in folks choosing to begin attending at our church, and, when asked, one reason they have all given for why they have stayed is because of that feeling – the feeling of being welcomed into a family. It is a clear sign to me of God at work in our small community.
Thank you for sharing this Sharon.
Thank you all for your encouraging words and most of all for your prayers. Ministry can be hard and at times discouraging as A Walton also shared. But I can honestly say (and I’m sure she and others in ministry would too) there is no other place I’d rather be. ❤️
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I was out of touch last week due to the snow and many people at my home. It was quite fun. Then headed to KY to the AnswersVBS 2026 Showcase. Amazing and pumped for this year! Back home in snow-covered NC. I love this post and scripture. I have 2 years wayward children. And one whom still loves Jesus. I find I do not show my best self to my children. Especially when I am frustrated or upset with their dad. (Ex husband). I ask forgiveness from them and from God. However, it hurts me that the ones I love most see the ugliest of me. How can I show Jesus to them and they believe me?! So I am praying that I can be so filled with Jesus and speak of His blessings and love a million times more than any frustrations I have. Father, forgive me. Forgive my sin of anger and resentment. Open my eyes to see Your mercy and grace always. I want my children to see You in the face of frustration, anxiety, sadness and fear. Father, teach me to show them You during those times. To see peace and forgiveness in me. Lord, I need You more and more to show them You in my life. And to lead them always to You. In Jesus Name, Amen
Beautiful prayer Tara B! (and good to see you!). Keep saying it. Oh it’s so hard around our families! We are on our best behavior around others, and then we can kinda let it all out at home! lol. It’s all of us. When I met my husband and he would speak so kindly to his children I would kinda laugh, like, who is so proper with their kids??!! But it was lovely. My son and I have the love language of sarcasm on the other hand! :) Having Ex’s in our life is challenging! I just remember someone said to always view him as my kid’s parent, rather than my ex. Because he loved our son, and my son loved him it made it easier.
Be sure to put your prodigals on Tami’s list for us to pray their names!
Amen, Tara! Praying that prayer for myself as well. You have had a long, hard road all while striving to meet the needs of your children. Glad you attended the showcase; sounds exciting! ❤
Praying with you and for your children. What a great reminder you gave, that when we work on ourselves to be Christ-like, despite hurt, the closest ones to us will enjoy the fruit of our labor (co-labor with the Spirit may i add), the fruit of the Spirit will come forth when we partner with His Spirit, and our children won’t have to eat the fruit of our hurt, resentment and bitterness. Thank you TARA for this❤️ Hugs and love to you.
Good morning, She’s. For those asking, I received this update on JoAnn last night. Please continue to pray for her. I’m happy I’ll be able to visit her when I get home (snow birding for the winter).
I am so sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Jo Ann was moved back to The Rehabilitation Center near home a couple weeks ago. She’s had her ups and downs. I think we were all hoping for more progress. She is moving some body parts a bit more. She can raise her arms but no movement in her fingers. She is wiggling her feet and lifting her legs slightly. She hasn’t been eating much. She’s lost a lot of weight. I think she might have better progress if she could build up her strength. So much of her recovery is mental and it has been hard for her to keep a positive attitude. The good thing about being back is that more friends can stop (which she is allowing) in to see her. That helps. We’ve been playing euchre the last few visits. She beats us almost every time. We’re headed to Florida on Friday. Ive got mixed feelings about leaving her. Im hoping she’ll make some good progress while I’m gone. Her PT told her we’ve got to get you to start living again not just existing. That’s where the prayers come in. Please thank your prayer group. She still needs them.
Praying for JoAnn
Praying for more range of movement to bring abkut a change in attitude for Joann and prayers for that for that precious PT! ❤
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In late 2019/early 2020, just before the pandemic, we left our church along with a large group of people because of the direction its teachings were taking. In the end, the vote did not go the way we had prayed it would. Suddenly, we found ourselves without a church home. My husband and I initially that if the vote didn’t pass, we would simply begin attending a nearby church. But somehow, that turned into something much bigger—we were caught in the beginning of a new church plant.
I’ll be honest: there is something beautiful about planting a church, but it is also incredibly demanding. I want to offer a humble, honest perspective and say that church planting is not for everyone. Personally, I have never felt called to that kind of work. I don’t believe it is my specific calling in expanding the Kingdom.
Because of everything involved—the sacrifice, the responsibility, the spiritual weight—I truly believe this is something that must be approached with deep prayer and discernment. And why we continue to pray for those who are called to plant churches—that God would give them the resilience, strength, and courage needed for such challenging and important work.
If you would, please send up prayers for my granddaughter – she has love for Jesus, but also is trying to figure out how she fits into life in middle school (rough place nowadays). She told us “I just want everybody to like me”, which lands her in drama issues. And lift up the principal at that school! He is trying but sure has his hands full with a lackadaisical school board, and all the other issues education faces.
Praying, Mae for your granddaughter.
Sweet girl, praying for her today.
Praying for your granddaughter.
I love the focus of today’s devo on the church, the bride of Christ. The reminder of His intense love for us as his body and cherished one is beautiful. But, I was saddened as I think of those who have been hurt by the church, and the divisions in the church and how Jesus feels about that.
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God, would you give each of us a deep love for the Church and our individual churches?
God, would you bring healing and unity so that our relationship would preach to the world and we will be known as your followers because of our love for each other? The chasm is deep, but your strength, and power and love are deeper. Please forgive our pride and arrogance and humble us to love and respect our brothers and sisters because of who they are in you.
Amen ❤️
Amen ❤️
Shes a few weeks back I asked for prayer. I wanted to go to a conference at my church. I wanted to go the first day and the second day. My supervisor let me leave work early Friday so I got an opportunity to attend both days.
Thank God for church planters! Some plant and others water.
So glad you were able to go – answered prayed, praise the Lord!
BG verse 1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
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I could hardly move past the Bible Gateway verse today, oh how God loves us! Praying for the lost and the prodigals, that they will turn to Jesus, accept His amazing gift of salvation and know for themselves His great love for them.
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When I read of Paul’s determination to teach the truth of Jesus, as directed by the Holy Spirit, it’s hard to keep up with his travel! If we are gifted to be teachers, teach. If we aren’t, what can we do to support and encourage the teachers?
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VICTORIA E – so good to see you! ❤️
TRACI GENDRON ❤️ 3 other Bible studies, wow! I need your time management skills, sister! Thank you for sharing about heart transformation and surrender.
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Amen❤️
“all of us have been called by God to love and build up His bride.”
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This is a good reminder that the church is Jesus’ bride, not mine. He is building it as He desires and I have been asked to participate not tear it (or parts of it) down.
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“Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless” (Eph. 5:25-27).
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Continuing to pray for those suffering in the wake of this winter weather.
Amen!
I haven’t had time to read this mornin but wanted to hop on for a praise report. I had asked for prayer for Chela last week, that 7 people drop the chem lab so she get in, greatly reducing the stress of her schedule. She asked us to “manifest” and we told her we called that prayer. As the deadline approached (today) she asked us to “manifest” again when she was home Sat night – our response again, that is prayer, we will pray. In the meantime, I’m telling God that it is His reputation on the line with this kid. I really really wanted her to see a direct answer to prayer for her. (You all know the feeling as a mom) Anyway, yesterday afternoon, we were in her apartment and got a notification that she got in!! She was beyond ecstatic – so good for me to see because it’s been a rough few weeks. Not only did God open the door for her to get in the class, He orchestrated the best schedule she has had since starting school. I know this may seem trivial but for a kid who struggles with anxiety, OCD, etc, she needed a win (me too) And the best part, as I was leaving, she thanked me for praying!! (Not manifesting) To me this is a sign that God is softening her heart. Thank you for your prayers. I’ll check in later after I read. Looking forward to reading your comments today!
What a praise! Thank you for sharing ❤️ praying Chela will seek the Lord.
Very glad to hear it; I’ve heard a lot about this ‘manifesting’ thing from people online and wasn’t sure if they were referring to prayer, or what. Also thank you for your ‘challenge’ to God, as sometimes I’m hesitant to speak His Word back to Him, like I’d be backtalking my Dad! So much to grasp, learn and absorb about Him no matter how old I am~~~
The manifesting younger people refer to today is that if you put something “out into the universe, it will return (come true). Basically wishful thinking works. They have no thought of it being through God, or prayer. It leads to lots of New Age stuff like crystals and tarot cards, vision boards, horoscopes. It doesn’t sound dangerous, yet it very much is.
Agree! ❤
Hallelujah for this praise.
So excited about this answered pray and God’s continued work in your daughter’s life, Tami! Praising Him with you this morning.
Praising God with you Tami! May this gracious act of our Lord penetrate, spread and be a reminder in Chela’s soul of His great love for her!
Thank you Lord that you allowed Tami to witness this. ❤️
Praise Jesus! What a beautiful answer to prayer and in the best way. Thank you for sharing.
What an awesome God we serve!
I am rejoicing with you Tami! That is what I call a “God wink”! Will continue to pray for Chela! He is at work, even when we can’t see it. ❤️
Praise the Lord for such a clear, direct answer to prayer! What an encouragement.
That’s so exciting, Tami! Thank you for sharing this exciting answer to prayer. Continuing to pray for Chela!
Praise God for this direct answer to prayer! What a testimony to all of us as well… to take all our requests to him, be specific, and expectantly wait on His answers. He is faithful! Continuing to pray for Chela. God is at work here!
Praise God! Continuing prayers!
Love this “YES!” How sweet of the Lord to give a good gift not just to Chela, but to her mama’s heart, too! ❤️
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Wow ❤️ Hallelujah. I am so glad Chela experienced this first hand and she got in the class, lessen the load! Thank you TAMI for asking us to pray and letting us be part of this blessing.
Amen!
Hmmm… ;) Can’t help but wonder if this also has to do with you putting together the prodigal list and so many of us praying for the group as a whole also…❤️
Thank you Tami, and praise God!!
Tami Cutler – Praise God! A good class schedule is such a blessing. I pray she sees God’s hand in more and more areas of her life.
Amen
GM ladies. Here is our growing list of prodigals. If you have anyone to add please leave their name in the comment under my name.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 26:18:… open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.
Jeremiah 31:16-17 But now this is what the Lord says: “Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you,” says the Lord. “Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy.17 There is hope for your future,” says the Lord.“Your children will come again to their own land.”
Proverbs 20:7 The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him.
Alice V – Brian, Rachel
Kim Mullins – Tyler
Tami – Chela, Quentin
Sharon – Nicholas, Jonathan
Rebecca W – Brett, Jake, Joey, Lindsay, Kelly, Abby, Katelyn, Katie
Emma Rageth – Olivia, Ali
Indiana Elaine – Kent, Shelley
Mari V – Rick, Marta, Toby
Tricia C – David, Allison, Christopher, Lina, Travis, Nicole
Mia Faith – Parker, Isaiah, Alexandra, Griffin, Annalee, Bill
Aleida – Victor
Maddie – Michelle, Julia
Rhonda – Michael
Charlotte Hill – Casey, John, Emma
Deb – Brandon, Angel
Linda J – Matthew
Mollie – Sam
MMD – Ethan, Hayden, Rachel
Carol H – Justin, Ezekiel, Elijah, Andrew
Kari – Rachel, Josh, James, Ayano
Mi Sherry – Kaitlyn, Aaron, Will
Cheryl Read – Renee, Jason, Kayden, Kylee
Wendy B – Amy, Colton, Kirk, Nick
Anne Klinkhammer – Molly
Sue Dalos – Chelsea, Kenny
Bessie – Ben
Annie Hewitt – Annie pls give me name/s:)
Sandy Lynn – Andy
Diane – Jon, Keith, Roger, Mike
Jane K – Leah
B – M, B
Susan B – Tammy, Amy
Carla – Cierra, Stephen
Lisa H – Cora
Kimberk – Megan, Randy
Adrienne – Raelynn, Tyler, Tracy
Brandi – Levi, Sarah, Ellen, India
Robin Bailey – Rodney, Brian
Erin L – Emerson, Zoe
Janet – Ryan, Amanda, Matthew, Stephanie
Sheryl – Adam, LaShonda
Maria J – Benjamin, Mike, Mark, Patrick
Maria B – Chris, Tristan, Madeline, Cristal, Shanty, Nicole, Luis
Melani Fryer – Matthew, Dylan, Courtney, Lydia
Therese – Ryan, Brittany, Sydney
Traci Gendron – Kara, Andrew
Jenny Carmichael – Katy
Mercy – boys in social care system
Kerry Rowley – Preston, Parker, Lindsey
Maria S – Joshua, Katie, Zoe
Melissa – Madison, Richard, Liam, Zac, Wesley
Felicia – Brittin, Tyler
Vicki – Ben, Sian
Randy, Michael, Callie
Elizabeth – 3 foster kids Trae, Xavier, and Reya I’m caring for.
You are AMAZING dear Elizabeth! So nice to meet you last night!!
What was last night? Did I miss something? Uggh
I agree with Rhonda! ❤️
Will you add my parents and step mom? Monica, Shawn and Stephanie
Emma
Penni—Les, Jonah, Emily, Garret, Domi, Connor, Grace. (Garret and Connor, and their fiancés have also chosen to go non-contact with my husband & I…so prodigals in every sense of the word.
I’m so sorry to hear that Penni. Our kids truly have no idea how much we love them and how they can hurt us to the core.
My friend’s children – Marissa and Melody
My niece and her husband and nephews and spouse
Claire and Ralph
Tyler and Whitney
Trey
Thank you TAMI ❤️
Please add my son and his children. They have recently gone through a divorce that has turned ugly and divisive. They need Jesus to intercede. My son is Jeremiah, children are Landon (21) Ashlyn (18) and living with us, Brayden (13) and Nolan (11). Thank you for your prayers. Love and hugs to all. Prayers for all our prodigals.❤️
Amen ♥️
Not all of us are called to plant a church like our Corinthian brothers and sisters did, but all of us have been called by God to love and build up His bride.
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What truth. We cannot sit idle and watch others do the job! Our part is that we Pray, Prepare, Persevere, Proclaim, Profess, Prophesy, for in doing this God will work it out for His Glory..
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BUT GOD.
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AMEN.
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Happy Monday my dears, covered this cold morning in love, warming hugs and prayers.. ♥️♥️
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Thank you Tina, for this reminder to continue to pray for my little church that struggles so much and for my church family.
Church planting here in Ireland is very difficult. We are 10 years in and feel we have had 3 churches in our one church plant (people coming for a season and then moving). It is really hard to get traction and it is definitely hard with the Protestant/Catholic thing (although we have had Catholics that have said they are happy we are here- the new local priest is very friendly with us and believes in Jesus. We are not against Catholicism, we just want people to know Jesus.). Lots of superstition, new age, and worldly beliefs holding people back. It is quite lonely to work here as well. Thank you for your prayers.
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May God fill you up as you persevere in your call.
Praying, A Walton ❤️ I have a family member, nearing middle age now, who was raised in a family that planted churches in non-Christian areas of the US – and their recounting of the struggles has been eye opening – I’m sure that’s multiplied many times in other countries. Praying for hearts and minds to be open to the truth of Jesus, praying He will strengthen and encourage you, and that at least one trustworthy, Jesus-loving woman will step up as a friend.
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I feel led to pray for you in this specifically.
Bless you for your work!! Praise God there are willing people like you!
My heart feels for you. I know exactly what you mean she. you say When it feels like you’ve been in 3 churches. My husband recently said, “its like we’ve been in 10 different churches in our 32 years here!”
We didn’t plant our church but it’s almost like we have. Church planting is a long slow road. But do not grow weary. m
Much prayers for you. Every Monday I pray for all our missionaries. You and your family are on that list. ❤
I am glad you feel a connection here so that we can continue to lift up you and your family in prayer! Thank you for sharing what you are experiencing. ❤
Beverly, thank you for sharing your story! Thank you for reminding me to pray for friends who are church planters, the work is not easy and the people they have been sent to have deep wounds that only the love, compassion, mercy and grace of God through Christ can they be healed. Staying even when persecution came, staying when others disagree, being willing to stay in the hard places is possible through Christ who gives us strength. Such an encouragement!
Thank you, SRT! I am encouraged!