I recently attended a live worship concert for one of my favorite Christian artists (circa 1997). When we first sat down, the room buzzed with light chatter and friendly greetings. But the moment the music began, everything shifted. The atmosphere ignited with praise to the Lord, and you could see the joy of the gospel spreading like wildfire. People jumped to their feet, hands raised, worshiping as if the outside world no longer existed. Strangers near us instantly felt like family, united by the love of Christ.
As the night drew to a close, it was almost painful to think the joy filling that room would fade with the final song. But before the concert ended, the artist led us in prayer—asking God to send us out with that same joy, carrying the gospel into a world that often feels cold and resistant.
This is what I imagine Acts 19 looked like. The gospel of Christ was spreading like wildfire through Ephesus and beyond. Paul described a season filled with both revival and riots—a collision between deeply rooted cultural traditions and the unstoppable power of the Holy Spirit. God used Paul’s teaching and ministry to boldly proclaim the gospel in the synagogue, much to the dismay of the Jewish leadership. People—both Jews and Gentiles—were committing their lives to Jesus and instantly became a new church family. All across the region, people were being baptized in the name of Christ, receiving the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, witnessing miracles, and prophesying.
While powerful conversions were taking place throughout Ephesus and Asia, the gospel also faced fierce resistance. This new movement of Christianity must have been both exciting and challenging for the early believers. Even today, though Christianity is well established, I still find it difficult to share the gospel with friends and neighbors when I sense their resistance to Christ.
But I believe that’s exactly how Acts 19 can be encouraging to us: The ministry of the gospel and the movement of the Holy Spirit through God’s people will always be more powerful. We do not need to be afraid. The reason there is resistance is because our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the evil and darkness present in this world (Ephesians 6:12). This spiritual warfare is no surprise to God.
These scriptures remind us that God has called us to share the gospel of Jesus with everyone, and the resistance to the gospel often reveals where great need is present. Even when we feel inadequate, we can take courage in knowing that God is with us.
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143 thoughts on "The Gospel in Ephesus"
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Reading and rereading this passage, the reminder that Paul often stayed in places, not just making converts but disciples, reminding me that evangelism goes hand and hand with discipleship.
Praying for all!
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It is wonderful watching and praying along with leaders at the National Gathering of Prayer and Repentance! How needed, and goes along right with our reading today! People of God standing in the public eye, to call for prayer for our states and nation, but making repentance of the wrongs and sin that we have participated in!! Thank you Lord for the bold ones showing up! I repent for my silence and compromise on your laws and ways in the towns I have lived in. Help me to stand firm and vote with a heart for you.
We are certainly living in a time of revival and riots and a clashing of the spiritual and physical realm. May God give us discernment and help us to not make idols of anything…politics, religion, etc. May we continue to seek His face during these tumultuous times ahead. Amen.
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I work with the youth at my church, please pray for Cerah, she has been taken to mental health for suicide threats, and for her foster brother, Shane who ran away this week. They have had a lot of family hardships. Cerah knows Christ and is trying to go deeper. Shane is struggling with belief.
Praying for Cerah and Shane
DAY 31
Acts 20
2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Romans 14:18-19
Thanks for at least putting up the scriptures to keep up with! Hoping the site updates and I have time to return for the commentary later- but grateful to have had the passages :)
Thank you!!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thanks! ❤️
Thank you!
Thank you
DAY 31
Paul’s Farewell Address to the Ephesians
Acts 20; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20; Romans 15:18–19
I’ll email them that 31 is missing
Thank you!❤️
Thank you SEARCHING!! Usually when it’s missing here, I find it in HRT but not this morning.
God bless you ❣️
Thank you Searching – it’s also missing on He Reads Truth.
I know! That is the usual go to.
A page from the’book’ today!
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Ephesians 3:14-21
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In the early days of my walk with the Lord, I would always approach the front for prayer when it was offered after the service. The people that prayed often sounded professional as though they had been to a ” praying for others” college. They had words I’d never heard or used before and they prayed with such ease..
So, when I started working for a church, and the pastor would use words like.. “if you have an arm and you can extend it, you can pray for others”. I indeed did have an arm, but I could not string words that I believed were acceptable to God together, I certainly would not have been as perfect or as eloquent as those that had prayed for me before, let alone aloud for the recipient to hear my fumbled words. I was for sure going to be exposed as a fake! I would often leave the church before the announcement for staff to come forward to pray for the congregation!
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BUT GOD.
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Yet another thing to remove from me, the fear of not being able to pray for others aloud and with them..
So to understand a little more of the depth of love and care for me, we were asked at staff prayers to get into groups of three or four to pray for each other.. I tried to sneak out, but was called back by the pastor who said..” join these two” as he point to the ladies behind him. His wife and the other senior pastors wife,,!
GREAT!!
These ladies had presence, and they often spoke at conferences to a gathering of thousands! I approached them sheepishly and immediately told them, I didn’t know how to pray and that for sure God never gave me pictures and words!
The ladies kindly said they would still pray for me..
I can only tell you that that day, I left ‘the college of praying for others’ , not with flying colours, but a lesson for sure, was learnt!
PRAISE GOD!
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GOD sees us ALL equally.
GOD hears us ALL the same.
GOD hears our hearts and wht is in it.
Big fancy words make no difference, if your heart is empty, angry or dark.
The heart must be pure, clean and true and of a posture of approach to the One who already knows our prayers before we have spoken a word..
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I am not an eloquent prayer by a long shot, but by His grace I can be an effective one..
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BUT GOD.
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Amen
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I have often felt that way when I’ve wanted to pray in a group situation. Pray has been on my heart a lot lately so your comment will spur me on to be more bold and know that God loves all of our prayers.
Amen, Tina! Thank you for sharing
This could have been written by me about my fear of praying out loud Tina. And now I have been on the altar prayer team for a few years. No, my prayers still aren’t eloquent, but God always seems to send ones with a request that I can relate too, so I have such an empathy for their request. I now can’t wait for the chance to pray for someone! Again, we just have to step out in faith, and do it again and again, where at some point it gets easier. It led me to even lead a group last summer called Practicing Prayer to encourage other to start practicing! The first thing that is helpful is start saying your own prayers out loud. Also writing them down and reading them out loud. Then start taking initiative to pray little prayers for others! We are ALL called to prayer for and with each others as believers, so if you are not—it’s time! Especially for this weeks Prayer Challenge!! Ask God to give you opportunities!!
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Amen! It’s not how we pray but we obey and Gif does the work! I’m a very simple prayer person!
I just read this from Max Lucado yesterday and copied it in my journal:
“Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.
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God wants us to pray to him without getting bogged down in proper words and phrases. Forget the fancy words and eloquent phrases. Don’t get caught up using the right prayer words. Pour out your joys, fears, concerns, and requests. He hears and will aid and comfort you.”
I think someone forgot to set the next devotional..:)
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Happy Wednesday my dears, hopeful that you will have the opportunity to pray with or for another today.. God is good, always.
I love you, muchly, Tina.x ❤️
Matt update: Just got a call from his brother… Waiting for scan results to see if a recent surgery to redirect bile has worked. (One doc thinks it won’t, and one thinks it will.) After results of that (if it is working), they will be amputating both legs just above the knees. (That will work best for prosthetics, they say… And timeline for that is as soon as Friday.) The good news that we had forgotten about… he has VA benefits, and all is being covered by the Navy. He is at the hospital associated with USC (Southern CA), which is a premier hospital in the area. Still praying for a miraculous recovery, if it is His will. Matt is 58, if I didn’t say earlier.
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Please keep praying, sweet sisters!
Continued prayers for Matt and medical team, for decisions and for his family! Thanks for the detailed update! ❤
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continued prayers for God to do what only He can do.. we look to you Lord God..
Prayers for Matt as he faces all these scenarios, Lord i pray your peace over him so he can see your glory un the results and whatever comes..
Praying also for Matt family and the journey alongside him. It cant be easy , but Lord, i pray for their hearts to also know peace so they can evaluate with clear minds and trust whatever comes..Lord in your mercy and in Jesus’s name , I pray.. Amen.
Praying
Yes, thank you Lynn, I pray for them too and would like a list so I can pray more regularly.
Let us be bold to share the gospel, even when we can feel resistance all around us..
Yes & Amen!
I have really been concerned about our caregivers lately. As you well know I have a soft spot in my heart for them. If any of you are still with us please give us an update (Linda in NC, Grammiesue, Nancy S.) I pray for you daily.
Yes..Lets get a prayer list going for Caregivers for Lynn to post on our FB page! List any names of caregivers you want to pray for or yourself!!
Yes, thank you Lynn, I pray for them too and would like a list so I can pray more regularly.
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Maddie and Seta – both caring for their elderly parents
Morning shes. Thank you so much for your prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! The book of Acts is hard for me to handle, when reading about persecutions and accusations that the early apostles endured. It reminds me of some personal battles and hence I found this triggering and painful that I could not go on. But I held on and pushed through today’s reading. Thank you for your reflections and wisdom. I want to share this one from the beloved preacher Charles Spurgeon (I read his and Oswald Chambers quite often), it feels like I am reading their personal journals, and it is always so comforting and empowering. This blessed me, so I hope it blesses you too. I can’t believe Mr. Spurgeon wrote this in the 1800s, but as fresh as can be for us today. It is true how nothing is new under the sun, we can glean on their wisdom, for wisdom is more precious than rubies.
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From Morning & Evening Devotional by C.H. Spurgeon:
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“Blessed is the one who stays awake” – Revelation 16:15.
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“We die daily”, said the apostle. This was the life of the early Christians; they went everywhere with their lives on their hands. We are not in this day called to pass through the same fearful persecutions: if we were, the Lord would give us grace to bear the test. But the tests of Christian life, at the present moment, though outwardly not so terrible, are yet more likely to overcome us than even those of the fiery age. We have to bear the sneer of the world- that isn’t so bad; its flattering, its soft words, its oily speeches, its fawning (exaggerated affection), its hypocrisy are FAR worse. Our danger is lest we grow rich and become proud, lest we give ourselves up to the fashions of this present evil world, and lose our faith. Or if wealth isn’t the trial, worldly care is quite as mischievous. If we cannot be torn in pieces by the roaring lion, if we may be hugged to death by the bear, the devil doesn’t really care which it is, as long as he destroys our love to Christ (amen KELLY to the Ephesians losing their first love), and our confidence in Him. I am afraid that the Christian church is far more likely to lose her integrity in these soft and silken days than in those rougher times. We must be awake now (amen RHONDA to what your mom said), for we traverse the enchanted ground (in The Pilgrim’s Progress book, this was mentioned to represent the dullness brought about by spiritual complacency and fatigue), and most likely to fall asleep to our own undoing, unless our faith in JESUS is a reality, and our love for JESUS a vehement flame. Many in these days of easy profession are likely to prove tares, and not wheat; hypocrites with fair masks on their faces, but not the trueborn children of the living God. Christian, do not think that these are times in which you can dispense with watchfulness or with holy ardor; you need these things more than ever, and may God the eternal Spirit display His omnipotence in you, that you may be able to say, in all these softer things, as well as in the rougher, “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us”.
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Be blessed dear sisters.
wooo..amen, amen! So, so true my friend! It is far worse to be complacent. Lukewarm. The title of Christian without the works is dead. No excitement for Jesus. No desire to read the Bible. I could read some of your points to my group that starts on Saturday! I can’t wait..What happens when women say YES to God…but more so WANTING to say Yes, wanting to be used, can’t wait to see what God has for ME today yes!! I was an unknowing, claiming Christian without the relationship, without the knowing the Who of God now, was, and is to come. That I could not choose Him myself, that he loved me enough to give me Mercy and Grace, and if that is not overwhelming joy that carries me through thick and thing, well, I need to reassess. Am I awake??! “Blessed are those that stay awake!!” Rev. 16:15 (Deep Sigh) The thing is in the tough times of struggle we NEED God. In times past, just a mere 40 years ago and on, life was hard. When you depend on crops, and weather, and your health…you have an ongoing dependence on God. You are on your knees. Today there is just too much comfort, distraction, busyness, and a thing called the phone. How often do I get on my knees with dyer prayers. How often do I need his word like I need air? How valuable is church to me. Do I choose it or sleep? Do I die to my flesh daily. (no!)
I am so sorry that you struggled, and it triggered some hard stuff. But God! I missed your insights and wisdom!
Thank you sweet Rhonda. What an encourager you are.
So many great comments! I’ve been in Exodus in my yearly Bible reading. God went before them by cloud or fire. God goes before us so we don’t have to be afraid to share as the Lord leads us!!
Praying for all! And thank you for sharing your hearts! It is all so encouraging. Also for sharing your requests! It is a blessing to be entrusted with them and to pray over them!!
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I see so many idols all around us. I see it heavy in Colorado. Crystals, buddahs, etc. There’s a big spiritual warfare happening.
Alright then..get out there! (lol- jk) Maybe just wear a Jesus love you Tshirt everywhere you go. :)
I had to leave Chicago, not just for the weather. But they need people willing to make a difference and stand up and lead the charge. That is NOT me, lol.
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Read this prayer this morning wanted to share it.
Dear Father, thank You for choosing to ransom me purely out of love and grace. Help me fully grasp this love that surpasses all understanding, and fill my heart with the overwhelming desire to serve others because of what You’ve done for me. Give me Your eyes to see where You want to use me, and help me to be humble. Let sacrificial love lead my life. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Amen
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Amen.
Amen!❤
Amen
“Even when we feel inadequate, we can take courage in knowing that God is with us.” Lauren Eve. ❤
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Warren Wiersbe NKJV Study Bible note:
“Ephesus is gone, and so is the worldwide worship of Artemis of the Ephesians. The city and the temple are gone, and the silversmiths’ guild is gone. Ephesus is a place visited primarily by archaeologists and people on Holy Land tours. Yet the gospel of God’s grace and the church of Jesus Christ are still here.”
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Amen! Of all the notes I read on this oassage, that stood out to me. The power of the gospel and the church of Jesus Christ are eternal- not here today and gone tomorrow! There is great comfort in that.
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SONG SHARE:
Consumed By Fire – First Things First (Official Lyric Video)
Lyrics:
All the things that I have held dear
The vanities that whispered in my ear
What would I do if they all disappeared
Riches and fame and all that they could buy
I’ve come to find they never satisfy
What would I gain if my soul’s the price
I don’t wanna love what the world loves
I don’t wanna chase what the world does
I only want you
I only want you
First thing’s first
I seek Your will
Not my own
Surrender all my wants to you
Keep the first thing first
To live Your truth
Walk Your ways
Set my eyes
Lord I fix my face on you
All my desires reversed
To keep the first thing first
I give it all
My life an offering
My heart is yours so
So have Your way in me
Your kingdom’s all I wanna seek
I don’t wanna love what the world loves
I don’t wanna chase what the world does
I only want you
I only want you
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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Amen. ❤️
God is with us!
In many ways I get the opportunity to share my faith with these little munchkins. It may not be in “words” however, whenever I can I use The WORD to get my point across “gently” as they are only 4 and 5 and can only comprehend so much, I go for it! Which reminds me, it’s been a while since I’ve whispered in their little ear, “you are wonderfully and fearfully made” I think I will do that today! Love these little munchkins SO much!
Love this! When my daughter taught school every day she would tell them were loved and that Ms Kelli loved them! We will still have college age kids come up to her and give her hugs!
Oh, Mari V, I LOVE that you whispher that. I’m going to have to start using that with my toddler. She has reached an age where she understands more and more, and I want her to know she is special to God without just telling her she is special. Thank you!
Mari, thst is beautiful!❤️
Thank you Jesus!
So many great thoughts here. I always feel like I went to church after reading the comments here. Thank you all for sharing your wisdom.
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Sending love and hugs covered in prayers your way Mia.❤️❤️
We are called to be salt and light to this world. But we do this because of His Spirit who lives in us. We don’t have to do this in our own strength. The beautiful part is we are called to be bold and take maybe even one little step, but God is responsible for the results. We can totally rest in that. Their response is not our responsibility-we rest in God for that!
Yes, Amen! So hard to do- not question all of our own efforts. But let go and let God..!
I love those words.. let go and let God.. you dont need to do it in your own strength.. BUT GOD, RIGHT?.❤️❤️
Amen.❤️
“The reason there is resistance is because our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the evil and darkness present in this world (Ephesians 6:12). This spiritual warfare is no surprise to God.”
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The mighty name of Jesus is all powerful! Even the demons know it – why then is His name taken so lightly in our world today?
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May the name of Jesus once again be held in high honor, even among those who do not believe.
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So g share…
See a Victory
Song by
Elevation Worship
The weapon may be formed
But it won’t prosper
When the darkness falls, it won’t prevail
‘Cause the God I serve knows only how to triumph
My God will never fail
Oh, my God will never fail
I’m gonna see a victory
I’m gonna see a victory
For the battle belongs to you Lord
I’m gonna see a victory
I’m gonna see a victory
For the battle belongs to you Lord
There’s power in the mighty name of Jesus
Every war he wages, He will win
Oh, I’m not backing down from any giant
‘Cause, I know how this story ends
Yes, I know how this story ends
I’m gonna see a victory
I’m gonna see a victory
For the battle belongs to you Lord
I’m gonna see a victory
I’m gonna see a victory
For the battle belongs to you Lord
I’m gonna see a victory
I’m gonna see a victory
For the battle belongs to you Lord
I’m gonna see a victory
I’m gonna see a victory
For the battle belongs to you Lord
Gonna worship my way through this battle
Gonna worship my way through
You take what the enemy meant for evil
And you turn it for good
You turn it for good
You take what the enemy meant for evil
And you turn it for good
You turn it for good
You take what the enemy meant for evil
And you turn it for good
You turn it for good
You take what the enemy meant for evil
And you turn it for good
You turn it for good
You take what the enemy meant for evil
And you turn it for good
You turn it for good
You take what the enemy meant for evil
And you turn it for good
You turn it for good
I’m gonna see a victory
I’m gonna see a victory
For the battle belongs to you Lord
I’m gonna see a victory
I’m gonna see a victory
For the battle belongs to you Lord
I’m gonna see a victory
I’m gonna see a victory
For the battle belongs to you Lord
I’m gonna see a victory
I’m gonna see a victory
For the battle belongs to you Lord
You take what, you take what the enemy meant for evil
And you turn it for good
You turn it for good (You turn it around)
You take what the enemy meant for evil
And you turn it for good
You turn it for good
They’re working it out
They’re working it for my God
Come on and give a shout if it’s true
Lift your voice
Lift your voice
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Happy Tuesday She’s!
I agree, why is His name taken so lightly. I feel that people are farther away from God than ever.
Love this song!
We sing this song at church and I love it!
Was just thinking this the other day—why does the name of Jesus or God roll off the tongues of so many as cursing in public, yet lifting the Names in praise in public is so rare(and seemingly more frowned upon)?
I guess the answer is those rulers, authorities, cosmic powers of this darkness, evil, and spiritual forces spoken of in the Ephesians verse.
Good thoughts… the cursing, oh the cursing! Go figure.
You’re songshare reminded me of the old hymn Rejoice, the Lord is King by Charles Wesley —verse 3
3 His kingdom cannot fail,
He rules o’er earth and heav’n;
The keys of death and hell
Are to our Jesus giv’n:
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
I’m gonna see a victory.. Amen.❤️
This account of the large crowds and Chaos…not even knowing what they were chanting and talking about reminds me of what we see happening here so much in the last few years. They just get caught up in the noise, not only parroting what they’ve heard, but shouting and growing indignant and proud, encouraged by numbers around them.
You can’t be caught up in the noise of the world. Yes, be informed. My mom used to say “if you don’t pay attention, one day you will wake up and everything will be different” (in a bad way). And that has happened. Christian didn’t want to get involved. We stayed to the church buildings. But Paul and the disciples went to the cities. They spoke out. They praised and worshiped in the midst of the non-believers. And talked boldly of Jesus. Now we shrink back.
I follow a guy named Sean Feucht
that that goes to the cities that are in riots and Chaos. His band and followers sing and praise. He is a modern day disciple.
I want to be a modern day disciple, but I admit, I definitely shrink back, even would run fast in the opposite direction when scared, if in a minority. But we are the minority, because the devil is the ruler of this world, and he is having a great time. BUT GOD..I sure want to be bold and courageous! Lord, I want to proclaim you, not just when it’s easy and comfortable in church, but out in public, in the middle of opposition. I know it is coming more and more, make us steadfast and sturdy Lord, only through the Holy Spirit can we be emboldened! Lord, keep showing me the way. Give me the armor to fight the battle. We are in it whether we want to be or not as a follower. But you give us the equipment, we just have to be willing to follow through. Being prepared.Staying in the Word. Thank you God, for Jesus and the Holy Spirit! Amen
It is cold, cold here, but we have Pain Group this morning, so out I have to go! Praying for God to lead me to some divine encounters today, and each of you as well!! Be sure to let us know each day on the Prayer Challenge post of How you stepped out in your day to pray or in another way!! Hugs to each of you!!
Hugs right back Rhonda. ❤️
“These scriptures remind us that God has called us to share the gospel of Jesus with everyone, and the resistance to the gospel often reveals where great need is present.”
There is indeed such a great need. The broken, lost, hurting, misguided world is everywhere around us – for some its even in our own 4 walls. We need to be so persistent in living out snd sharing the Gospel. I am doing a study on The Armor of God right now with my small group and its been so encouraging to b to be reminded to stand firm but also that we do not wage the war alone. We can be strong in the Lord. He is powerful and equips and gives us what we need to be ready to testify to that Truth. Heavenly Father, help me to be bold and to speak your Truth. Revive our hearts Lord and use us to further your kingdom. Amen
The song Our God is Greater by Chris Tomlin comes to mind this morning:)
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I have written in my Bible (wise words I heard somewhere else) the “sword of the spirit- word of God” is the only offensive weapon. Know the word of God and use it (I.e. Jesus recited scripture the 40 days he was in the wilderness and defeated the devil!!!
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May revival begin and be present in me and our church and the big Church, Father! Give me boldness to speak of You morning and night. ❤️❤️❤️
And did anyone else see the video of Jelly Roll’s acceptance speech at the Grammy’s this week? The microphone stand in essence became a pulpit
One line … Jesus is for everybody ❤️
I saw the clips, everyone is sharing. How amazing it was!! So sincere. He just can’t help but share, that’s what makes it more powerful!! When we realize WHAT HE has done for us, we are overcome with great passion for HIM! Praise God—Lets ALL be so passionate for being Saved, “Restored, Loved…Redeemed, washed in the blood. Set free, healed… I’m singing a song….but can’t remember the name!
We might know it if you give us some lyrics
They were the words that preceded. I searched for a long time to find the song online and YouTube and finally messaged one of the Worship team members to ask her! No wonder, she said it was written by the leader of the worship team! It’s so good, I’ll have to share when he puts it on his YouTube.
Saw it. He took that crowd to church.
It was beautiful all about our Jesus praising the Lord our God!
I will have to look for a clip! ❤ There was a young mom from Missouri on American Idol last night. She had a beautiful testimony to the ministry of motherhood. I couldn’t help wondering how the frenzy of competition will affect that. Her name is Hannah Harper. She grew up singing for the Lord with her family- from ‘coast to coast’.
She has someone good to emulate from last year, the Christian mom that came in 3rd place (Breanna Nix). She said she “was just a mom” and it caused a big stir. That it’s never “just!”
I usually don’t wash AI, but there was a Christian artist 2x ago (Meagan Danielles), so I watched for her. Then, last year there were MANY! So good, so I watched!! I love hearing our Christian songs being sung there and on The Voice. And especially when they come in the top 3 or so!
❤ Yes, and Breanna actually came back on the first show last week backing a 16 year old (Christian). He didn’t get through, but they encouraged him to come back.
So amazing. He was humble and genuine sharing Jesus. Praise God for the remnants.
I saw the clips on YouTube – between him & Brandon Lake’s speeches – I thought I was listening to church – it was amazing!!!
Evil recognizes the Lord and identifies imposters – we should also be discerning as there are many imposters in today’s world.
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Know Who and what you stand and speak out for, and why – Acts 19:32 Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.
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We are again looking at idols in today’s Scriptures. Our idols – are they physical, emotional, mental? Identify and put them in their proper place (backseat or trash can??)
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Ephesians 6:12 is a sobering reminder of our real enemies, the evil ones. Remember to put on the armor of God, the whole armor, for protection – the armor pieces are laid out in the next verses.
Ephesians 6:13-17
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
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On HRT, regarding knowing who our enemies are and our ultimate goal in dealing with them, Jared Kennedy states:
“In fact, our calling as Christians is not to wage war against and defeat our opponents. Instead, we seek to win our opponents with the good news that Christ has come to save. Our mission is not to overthrow our opponents but to rescue them from the ignorance, hard-heartedness, and idolatry that enslaves them. We want to see all people transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of the Son.”
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ADRIENNE ❤️ great song, and great advice – don’t stop praying! Continuing to pray for Matt.
MERCY – great point, God’s protection doesn’t mean a life on easy street. Praying, dear sister, that you can and will have the strength and determination in the power of the Lord to lay down this heavy burden at the foot of the cross and leave it there. Lord, please untangle her thoughts from this burden, and strengthen our sister Mercy as we learned in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, to take every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, thank you, Lord. Amen.
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MARTHA HIX ❤️!! Beautiful testimony, thank you for sharing
TRICIA C ❤️ thanking you for your service as a first responder, and praying for salvation for this man’s family.
CEE GEE ❤️ “What a joy to be part of each cycle.”
SHARON JERSEY GIRL ❤️
TARA B ❤️ awesome reminder to be as kind to our family as we are to strangers
THERESE – thank you for the update on JoAnn. Praying she will have encouraging visitors, that she will make the turn from existing to living, that she will be able to focus on what she has and have strength to not dwell on the loss (praying loss is not permanent!), to work diligently at PT especially if she doesn’t see immediate progress.
MAE – praying for your granddaughter!!! Those middle and high school years are the hardest years.
TANYA – what a blessing! Praise the Lord for the supervisor’s accommodation.
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Lots of good food for thought! ❤
❤️ appreciate it SEARCHING
Thank you for prayers for Matt. ❤️
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love the Ephesians verse.., hugs dear friend. ❤️
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@Rhonda j this is your prayer for the Shes this week that we would boldly share the Gospel
YES! That’s what I thought..The ministry of the gospel and the movement of the Holy Spirit through God’s people will always be more powerful. We do not need to be afraid.” —WE DO NOT NEED to be AFRAID!! We have the Holy Spirit!! Let’s go out this week and see what He will do through US!!! We only need to be willing!
Amen!
I actually thought God was confirming Rhondas call for us to step out this week!!!❤️
Thank You Father. Holy Spirit be with me, lead and guide me. In Jesus name, Amen
“Fun” fact -when Luke writes of Asia, it is not the area we know today. It was a Roman province known as Proconsular Asia and consisted of areas known as Phrygia, Pamphylia, Libya, etc and can be located on our modern day maps anywhere between Istanbul and Syria. #nerdalert
I was also interested in what the Way referred to and after a little digging came across the explanation of the term meaning “the Christian religion”.
Interest geography lesson, thanks!
When I see the Way I always think of John 14:6, Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Thanks for research and sharing!
The map on page 140 in the study guide is perfectly done to help us understand the geography of Biblical times versus what the map looks like now
There is a show on Prime I highly recommend to everyone that tracks Paul’s travels and shows what it looks like now and what it could have looked like then. It’s called “Drive Thru History- Acts to Revelation.” It’s so good!
Interesting, Sarah. When I was in middle school, our youth group had The Way Bibles.
I read that note about Asia, also! So important to note these things for context. I didn’t share that so thank you for doing so. ❤
Thanks for sharing!
I love looking up Biblical locations on modern maps’
To me the account of the seven sons of Sceva is one of the funniest stories in the Bible. Right up there with Balaam’s talking donkey.
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Paul and his ministry companions spent over 2 years in Ephesus. Later, Timothy was there (1 Tim 1:3), and then the apostle John is believed to have been living there. The Ephesian churches had great teaching and leadership yet they were the first church Jesus addressed in Revelation (2:1-7) for loosing their first love.
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Makes me pause to think of all the good and faithful teachers we have in this country and yet overall the church in the US is struggling to keep love for Jesus and one another the first thing, the thing we are known for. Praying the Lord sends a revival to us, starting with me.
Amen, sister!
And that passage always makes me laugh too :)
Amen, Kelly! Praying for a revival in me and in the world!
Amen,Kelly! I posted before reading comments, as usual. Check out my song share re: ‘first thing’! ❤ Like minds!
So true. Thank you for the Revelation connection.
I am praying this right along with you Kelly!
Amen Kelly.. A revival in us.. starting with me! ❤️
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who found the beating of the Seven Sons humorous. At the same time, it reinforces that even the demons know Jesus. I want to continue to grow in faith so that they know who I am. I’m not equating myself with Paul. I just want them to know, oh she’s in Christ and He will kick our butts on He behalf. Praying we can all be known for our faith in all places.
Amen❤️
Amen♥️
This statement: “These scriptures remind us that God has called us to share the gospel of Jesus with everyone, and the resistance to the gospel often reveals where great need is present” is a great reminder that I need to pray harder and pay close attention to the places where resistance is present.
Father, give us boldness, courage and wisdom to share Your truth in the resistant places!
Yes, I love it too, that was emphasized! It reminds us when it’s hard, that is where us sharing is so important! That why I wanted a Prayer Challenge this week, to pray when and where we normally wouldn’t. For people that wouldn’t expect it, non-believers! That is where we need to be more bold and courageous! Scary at first, but with the Holy Spirit- we will do it!!
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Amen!❤
Amen. ❤️