Category Archives: Hearing from God

Angels, Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, Heaven and Hell, Share the Good News

Keep Cool Under Pressure and Shine God’s Light

When the going gets tough… the faithful trust in God, everyone else tries to manage on their own.  When we keep our cool and turn to God in the face of death and suffering, we allow God to shine through us as a powerful light to draw others to Him. Let’s read a dramatic example of how Paul did this while facing shipwreck in a powerful storm… on his way to Rome for a trial!

Acts 27

Paul Is Sent to Rome

      1When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. 2And embarking in an Adramyttian ship, which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of Asia, we put out to sea accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica. 3The next day we put in at Sidon; and Julius treated Paul with consideration and allowed him to go to his friends and receive care. 4From there we put out to sea and sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were contrary. 5When we had sailed through the sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy, and he put us aboard it. 7When we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone; 8and with difficulty sailing past it we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.

      9When considerable time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, since even the fast was already over, Paul began to admonish them, 10and said to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul. 12Because the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

      13When a moderate south wind came up, supposing that they had attained their purpose, they weighed anchor and began sailing along Crete, close inshore.

Shipwreck

      14But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; 15and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along. 16Running under the shelter of a small island called Clauda, we were scarcely able to get the ship’s boat under control. 17After they had hoisted it up, they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship; and fearing that they might run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the sea anchor and in this way let themselves be driven along. 18The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; 19and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.

      21When they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss. 22“Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23“For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ 25“Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. 26“But we must run aground on a certain island.”

      27But when the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to surmise that they were approaching some land. 28They took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29Fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and wished for daybreak. 30But as the sailors were trying to escape from the ship and had let down the ship’s boat into the sea, on the pretense of intending to lay out anchors from the bow, 31Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.” 32Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it fall away.

      33Until the day was about to dawn, Paul was encouraging them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been constantly watching and going without eating, having taken nothing. 34“Therefore I encourage you to take some food, for this is for your preservation, for not a hair from the head of any of you will perish.” 35Having said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and he broke it and began to eat. 36All of them were encouraged and they themselves also took food. 37All of us in the ship were two hundred and seventy-six persons. 38When they had eaten enough, they began to lighten the ship by throwing out the wheat into the sea.

      39When day came, they could not recognize the land; but they did observe a bay with a beach, and they resolved to drive the ship onto it if they could. 40And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while at the same time they were loosening the ropes of the rudders; and hoisting the foresail to the wind, they were heading for the beach. 41But striking a reef where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern began to be broken up by the force of the waves. 42The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim away and escape; 43but the centurion, wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from their intention, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44and the rest should follow, some on planks, and others on various things from the ship. And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land.

Quite frankly, I have never faced anything as dire as what Paul seemed to face on a regular basis. Praise God that Paul is such a wonderful and inspiring example to us. We do not have to hide in fear, but rather trust in God and allow Him to shine through us when we, and those around us, face terrible situations. God may or may not save us physically from any given situation, but whether or not He chooses to save us we know that He is able and we can trust Him either way.  Shadrach, Meschach, and Abed-nego demonstrated faith like this, not knowing whether or not God would choose to save them physically from the fiery furnace.

Daniel 3:16-18

   16Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. 17“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18“But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Take courage and share the gospel at all times and in all situations.

I invite you to pray:

Father, please help Your people to stand firm when times get tough. Help us to truly shine as a light to guide others to You. Let us not be discouraged and lose our joy under stress, when we could potentially have the most impact by continuing in joy. Thank You for loving us despite our weakness and thank You for using us to serve You! Help us bless Your name through our lives. Amen.

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Courage / Fear, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Government, He Appears Before You, Murder, Persecution / Glorifying God, Protector / Deliverer, Purposeful / Intentional, Share the Good News, Submitted / Servant

Those Who Oppose Messiah Rationalize Much

Many who oppose Yeshua will do so with such passion that they will violate the values the claim to believe in order to oppose Him.  They rationalize absurd contradictions to come against Him. We see examples still today in similar fashion to those documented in the Bible from thousands of years ago. People have not changed. One of today’s examples is those who zealously demand tolerance for all belief systems, no matter how vile. These same people then practice no tolerance of those following Yeshua and our beliefs. They prosecute Christians or Jews with a passion that defies logic. They will try to ruin people for not baking them a wedding cake for a gay wedding, but then turn around and embrace Muslims who, under Sharia law, throw homosexuals off a building to their death without a trial. It defies all logic, with the exception that the devil is attacking those who live for Yeshua.

Paul experienced this kind of persecution continuously because he dedicated his life to the purpose of sharing the truth of the gospel of Yeshua. People came against him constantly, as they did our Messiah Himself. They were not concerned about what was lawful, but rather plotted as they saw fit regardless of the law of the land. They were blinded by their own biased view of the matter and not considering it truly rationally.

Acts 23:11-35

     11But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”

A Conspiracy to Kill Paul

      12When it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13There were more than forty who formed this plot. 14They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. 15“Now therefore, you and the Council notify the commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case by a more thorough investigation; and we for our part are ready to slay him before he comes near the place.”

      16But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Lead this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” 18So he took him and led him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you.” 19The commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. 21“So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.” 22So the commander let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.”

Paul Moved to Caesarea

      23And he called to him two of the centurions and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready by the third hour of the night to proceed to Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen.” 24They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to Felix the governor. 25And he wrote a letter having this form:

26“Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings.

            27“When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.
28“And wanting to ascertain the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their Council;
29and I found him to be accused over questions about their Law, but under no accusation deserving death or imprisonment.

      30“When I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing his accusers to bring charges against him before you.”

31So the soldiers, in accordance with their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32But the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the barracks. 33When these had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34When he had read it, he asked from what province he was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35he said, “I will give you a hearing after your accusers arrive also,” giving orders for him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.

I want to highlight a “shout out” for the LORD. In verse 11, He encourages Paul that he is on the right track bringing the word of God and Messiah to Jerusalem and then next to Rome. Clear guidance and confirmation must be so helpful when confronting such difficult situations!

We should absolutely get involved in our local and national governments to try to ensure God’s values are protected. Do not give ground to the ungodly even if they win a court battle here and there. Wrong is wrong. We must engage and support our brothers and sisters in Yeshua to receive the protection of the law they are due. We see how helpful it is for Paul when the Romans actually protected him as a Roman citizen from those who wanted to kill him because he served Yeshua.

Of course, we can also be encouraged that God can use all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called by Him. God uses this situation with Paul to help lead him to Rome, consistent with God’s plans for him.

Romans 8:28

28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

When you experience persecution because of Yeshua, turn to Him prayerfully for help and turn to your true brothers and sisters in Yeshua. When you see others facing persecution, engage in intercessory prayer on their behalf and help them where you can yourself. Do not accept the lies, deceit, or persecution presented by the world as reason to turn away from any element of what God calls us to do. Stand firm and proclaim the truth boldly.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for encouraging us and guiding us in the way You want us to go. It is so powerful to give us confidence and courage in difficult times. Please continue to embolden and raise up leaders like Paul to understand deeply and teach boldly the word of Yeshua as Messiah and your instructions for how we should live as Your people. Prepare us as Your people to hear and obey and support those leaders and teachers. Amen. 

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Comforter, Courage / Fear, Encouragement, He Appears Before You

Encouragement Can Carry Us Far in Difficult Situations

Have you ever been trying to accomplish a difficult task and things seem to just go badly? You find yourself wondering if you are doing it right or if you should be doing it at all. At those times I have found great encouragement when someone who has been there before comes in and encourages me and reassures me that I am indeed on the right path.

One example I can immediately relate this to involves homeschooling my children. My wife has taken on this significant commitment and is doing well. I see much value in this approach to create a godly homeschool environment. When we first started there were days when it was difficult, and we were not sure if that was expected or if we were doing something wrong. What an encouragement to link up with more seasoned homeschool families who could tell us that was a normal difficulty, especially when first getting started. We were greatly encouraged to continue the journey.

How gracious our Lord, Jesus Christ who does the same for us in our lives through the written scriptures, through prayer, and sometimes through direct encouragement as He did for Paul in Acts 23.

Acts 23:1-11

Paul before the Council

      1Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, “Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.” 2The high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth. 3Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?” 4But the bystanders said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” 5And Paul said, “I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.’”

      6But perceiving that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying out in the Council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” 7As he said this, there occurred a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9And there occurred a great uproar; and some of the scribes of the Pharisaic party stood up and began to argue heatedly, saying, “We find nothing wrong with this man; suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks.

      11But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”

Paul was on trial and clearly experiencing difficult times. Paul was used to it, yes, but that does not mean it was easy for him. After a harsh encounter with the religious leaders in Jerusalem, Jesus came by his side to encourage him and give him guidance for the path forward. This really impresses me as Paul came to Jerusalem knowing he would be persecuted for Christ! Now Jesus reaffirms that he was right to come to Jerusalem and likewise must now proceed to Rome.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for those times when You encourage me or send someone else to encourage me. I appreciate that very much. Help guide me and lead me to encourage others as well. Help Your people be a light and support to one another. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Faith / Trusting God, Persecution / Glorifying God, Prophecy, Prophecy, Purposeful / Intentional, Share the Good News, Speaking, Visions

Create Opportunity To Share The Gospel

Paul returned to Jerusalem knowing that he would be persecuted. He did so willing to sacrifice his own life in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul felt strongly that he should return to Jerusalem and would not turn away because he would suffer personal harm or death. We should be careful not to overlook this consistent commitment from Paul. He faced many real and tangible threats for his safety throughout his missionary journeys. He nevertheless remained on message sharing the truth with even those who refused to accept it. Because of his boldness and courage and faithfulness, many were led to Christ. Paul did not wait for opportunities to share the gospel of Christ… he created opportunity.

Acts 21:10-14

10As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, “The will of the Lord be done!”

Sure enough, as prophecy foretold, Paul was seized and bound in Jerusalem. Paul knew this would happen because of the prophecy he received. He went anyway. Take special note of how Paul reacts to the crowd once given the opportunity… keep in mind they were beating him with intent to kill him.  He does not attempt to flee. He does not try to tell the people how wrong they were for beating him. He takes the opportunity to share his personal testimony of his prior misplaced efforts to kill followers of Christ as a bridge to relate to those who were trying to kill him. Paul is always looking for a way to bridge back to the message of the gospel by finding a way to connect with those to whom he is speaking. He never seems to miss an opportunity to share the truth of Jesus Christ.

Acts 21:27-40

Paul Seized in the Temple

      27When the seven days were almost over, the Jews from Asia, upon seeing him in the temple, began to stir up all the crowd and laid hands on him, 28crying out, “Men of Israel, come to our aid! This is the man who preaches to all men everywhere against our people and the Law and this place; and besides he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30Then all the city was provoked, and the people rushed together, and taking hold of Paul they dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. 31While they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32At once he took along some soldiers and centurions and ran down to them; and when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33Then the commander came up and took hold of him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains; and he began asking who he was and what he had done. 34But among the crowd some were shouting one thing and some another, and when he could not find out the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35When he got to the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob; 36for the multitude of the people kept following them, shouting, “Away with him!”

      37As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the commander, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38“Then you are not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” 39But Paul said, “I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city; and I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.” 40When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,

Acts 22

Paul’s Defense before the Jews

      1“Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.”

      2And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet; and he said,

      3“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today. 4“I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons, 5as also the high priest and all the Council of the elders can testify. From them I also received letters to the brethren, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished.

      6“But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, 7and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 8“And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’ 9“And those who were with me saw the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. 10“And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.’ 11“But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me and came into Damascus.

      12“A certain Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law, and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13came to me, and standing near said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very time I looked up at him. 14“And he said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear an utterance from His mouth. 15‘For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16‘Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’

      17“It happened when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance, 18and I saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste, and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me.’ 19“And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves understand that in one synagogue after another I used to imprison and beat those who believed in You. 20‘And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the coats of those who were slaying him.’ 21“And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

      22They listened to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!” 23And as they were crying out and throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the air, 24the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, stating that he should be examined by scourging so that he might find out the reason why they were shouting against him that way. 25But when they stretched him out with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?” 26When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and told him, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.” 27The commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he said, “Yes.” 28The commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money.” And Paul said, “But I was actually born a citizen.” 29Therefore those who were about to examine him immediately let go of him; and the commander also was afraid when he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had put him in chains.

      30But on the next day, wishing to know for certain why he had been accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Council to assemble, and brought Paul down and set him before them.

I admire Paul’s courage and faith and his relentless commitment to share the truth of the gospel of Christ. Reflecting personally, I have allowed minor obstacles such as my perception of people’s opinions or resistance to the message or situational settings to discourage me from sharing the message of Christ.  I see in Paul a courage and passion I want to have and I am praying for it as well as making conscious choices to overcome any excuses for resisting sharing the message. This is not an excuse for just being openly confrontational in sharing the gospel, but rather a reminder to look for opportunity to bridge with everyone, anyone in any given circumstance in a way to place the focus on Christ. Ask for God to help in prayer and then look for creative ways to engage people in sharing the gospel of Christ. You will not reach everyone, but you will reach some… and that is worth it.

Think of it… how many go fishing even when they may not always catch fish… or hunting even when they may not always succeed? How many play golf though they may never reach par or go shopping though they may not always find what they are looking for? Why should we not apply at least as much effort, passion and creativity toward reaching others to tell them about the love and joy and peace we find in Jesus Christ?

Your challenge… should you choose to accept it…  create at least one opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus with someone where you would normally not feel bold enough to engage. For the week, create at least three opportunities. I started the challenge today… and God even gave me the blessing of a really encouraging response that I was not at all expecting. God is good.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please embolden me to grasp opportunities to share the gospel of Yeshua. Help me to be courageous and bold. Let me not let opportunities pass me by. Create divine appointments for me to impact others for Your glory. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Courage / Fear, Encouragement, Faith / Trusting God, Interceding for Others, Persecution / Glorifying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Submitted / Servant, Through Prophets

Fellowship and Encouragement Among Believers

What a beautiful picture we see as Paul travels back from Ephesus to Jerusalem. We get a sense of the impact his efforts have had on the region. He travels from city to city and there are fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who greet him. They are one in Christ Jesus. They are not Jew or Greek. They do not separate based on color of their skin or based on whether they are rich or poor or male or female. All are one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

26For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.

Paul makes time to fellowship with and support each local congregation of the brethren despite being on a journey to get to Jerusalem. They in turn also take time away from their own personal lives to receive him and encourage him, even to warn him. They are all acting in one accord as followers of Christ. They show us what the body of Christ should be like, but often is not, even today.

We see different members of the body of Christ with different gifts including prophets and evangelists. Paul is even warned by Agabus that he will be persecuted if he goes to Jerusalem, but Paul shows he remains prepared to face any form of persecution to honor and serve Jesus Christ.  When Paul decides to proceed to Jerusalem despite the warnings, the people still support and encourage him… relying on God’s will. They do not reject him or throw him off because he did not listen to their warning. They bring their families to escort him out of town and pray with him. They are truly one in Christ Jesus.

Acts 21:1-14

Paul Sails from Miletus

      1When we had parted from them and had set sail, we ran a straight course to Cos and the next day to Rhodes and from there to Patara; 2and having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3When we came in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4After looking up the disciples, we stayed there seven days; and they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem. 5When our days there were ended, we left and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, escorted us until we were out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another. 6Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.

      7When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and after greeting the brethren, we stayed with them for a day. 8On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. 9Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses. 10As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, “The will of the Lord be done!”

Take care not to think Paul a fool for going to Jerusalem despite warnings and prophecy. He did not disregard these warnings, but rather felt he needed to go to Jerusalem anyway and was willing to pay that price to do God’s work there.

Consider also, how does your life and the life of your family or church compare with that of the believers as demonstrated in Acts 21? Do believers come together in harmony, working together, praying for one another or is their infighting and division between different people, churches or denominations? Do churches support one another and work together to reach the community or compete against one another for how many members they can get to fill their seats? What can you do personally to make a positive difference in your local community of brothers and sisters in Christ? Pray for God’s wisdom and courage and then get started.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please bring Your people together in unity, serving You and helping none another in one accord. Heal division that separates us. Help us work through smaller differences in beliefs that keep us apart. Raise up prophets and evangelists from among Your people to do Your work. Prepare people to hear and respond to the truth of Your word. Clearly show each of us the role You want us to play. Amen. 

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Demons, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Greed, Miracles, Persecution / Glorifying God, Share the Good News

Prepare for Adventure and Drama When You Truly Preach the Word to Lost

Most of us who submit our lives to Yeshua and, out of obedience, boldly proclaim the gospel to others do so with nothing whatsoever to gain personally. We are moved by obedience to Messiah and out of love for our fellow man to help them find freedom in Yeshua… freedom from sin and freedom from the penalty of death for their sin. It is helpful at times to remember that those who reject our Messiah have many different motives. Often times they are not even willing to open their eyes and consider the miracles around them which declare the truth and the glory of God.

As we read in Acts 19, we start with a documented list of powerful miracles taking place which glorify YHWH. The word of the LORD was prevailing and growing mightily. With that backdrop, we also come across a variety of responses. Some try to use the name of Yeshua without having the relationship with Him and they are overcome by a demon possessed man. They tried by their own power. Contrast that to verse 11 where we see emphasis that God was performing the miracles through the hands of Paul. It was not Paul. We also see those who would profit by making idols come full force against those bringing the truth of Yeshua as Messiah. They seem to completely overlook the miracles and focus solely on their own short term financial benefit. They miss the bigger picture. There are many like these still today. Many come against Messiah for selfish reasons or try to use His name for their own glory and honor.

Acts 19:11-41

Miracles at Ephesus

      11God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out. 13But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” 16And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified. 18Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. 19And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.

      21Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

      23About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way. 24For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen; 25these he gathered together with the workmen of similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business. 26“You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all. 27“Not only is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be regarded as worthless and that she whom all of Asia and the world worship will even be dethroned from her magnificence.”

      28When they heard this and were filled with rage, they began crying out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the disciples would not let him. 31Also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater. 32So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together. 33Some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly. 34But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a single outcry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 35After quieting the crowd, the town clerk said, “Men of Ephesus, what man is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of the image which fell down from heaven? 36“So, since these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash. 37“For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38“So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against any man, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another. 39“But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly. 40“For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today’s events, since there is no real cause for it, and in this connection we will be unable to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41After saying this he dismissed the assembly.

Consider for a moment the “extraordinary miracles” that were taking place in the name of Jesus Christ. They were public spectacles and not private events. Word of Jesus was spreading and people were believing. There were many who responded and believed. However, there were some who were motivated by greed and others who joined in without even understanding why they were rioting… they just allowed themselves to be caught up in the moment and come against the Christians for no particular reason other than seeing others act that way.

They made no rational appeal or argument against Jesus. They were only concerned to shout for their false beliefs and not listen to any other views… even in the face of “extraordinary miracles”! They were blind and could not see… or would not see.

We see these same responses from many today. When we proclaim the truth many will come against us… but many will accept Yeshua as Lord. We must take courage and proclaim Him boldly despite opposition. We must take what measured steps we can to protect ourselves while relying on God to help us, but we must never be silenced from sharing the truth of Messiah.

Reason does not always win out… and in this particular scripture there was a man who calmed the crowds. It does not always work out that way, but we must place our trust in God and go about His business anyway.  We can try to adjust our strategy to communicate the gospel and how we respond to people by understanding their motivations. It was probably wise for the believers to keep Paul from going to the riot. We do not know, but perhaps they would not have been so easily calmed if they had Paul in their midst.

Truly we can also be thankful to God when we live in a society in which there is some semblance of court system to sort out conflict in a way that avoids mob rule and riots. We should actively involve ourselves in government when we can in order to protect that protection where we have it or to fight to get those rights where we do not have them.

At all times, however, we should pray for God to help us in proclaiming the gospel and responding to both receptive and hostile audiences… whether we face crowds of 5000 or a single person. Do not expect people to act rationally and listen to reason and evidence of Yeshua as Messiah, even when presented with miracles. Many will hear and be moved to learn more, but also many will resist and fight to hold on to what they already believe, for a variety of reasons that can actually be quite narrow and selfish.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please protect and encourage those who share the truth about Your word. Thank You for miracles that You perform at times to help glorify Your name and spread the word. Please help prepare people to hear Your word and receive it. Amen. 

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Obeying God, Promises, Protector / Deliverer, Share the Good News, Strong in Our Weakness, Visions

What He Says He Will Do…He Will Do

God makes a variety of promises to His people which are documented in scripture. Some are true for all followers, such as the promise of salvation through Christ (John 3:16-18), and some are specific promises to individuals for specific circumstances. One thing we can be sure of is that what God says He will do… He will do.

Acts 18:9-22

       9And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; 10for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.” 11And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

      12But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, 13saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” 14But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrong or of vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you; 15but if there are questions about words and names and your own law, look after it yourselves; I am unwilling to be a judge of these matters.” 16And he drove them away from the judgment seat. 17And they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. But Gallio was not concerned about any of these things.

      18Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow. 19They came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20When they asked him to stay for a longer time, he did not consent, 21but taking leave of them and saying, “I will return to you again if God wills,” he set sail from Ephesus.

      22When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and went down to Antioch.

When God told Paul that He would protect him, He meant it. Paul did not even have need or opportunity to open his mouth to defend himself. God took care of it, as promised. Further, we see that Paul was in no hurry to leave after this display of open hostility, despite having been chased out of several other cities on the same missionary journey. This time he had God’s promise of protection and specific guidance to continue proclaiming the gospel here.

While this is just one specific example, it should encourage us to trust in God no matter our circumstances. This was no small matter to Paul, who had been chased out of several cities up to this point on this missionary journey. People wanted to hurt or kill him to silence the message of Christ.

Take some time to reflect on some of the promises that God has made to all of His people. Are you living like you trust Him to do as He says?

Now reflect on any promises you believe God has shown you specifically. Are you trying to bring these promises about by your own will and action in your timing, without waiting on God? Are you avoiding doing it all together because you know you cannot do it on your own? Both approaches are tempting at one time or another, but in truth we must walk in faith and do our part to obey what He tells us and then trust Him to do what He says He will to help us.  I sure appreciate that He will help us to do what He calls us to do and that I can trust Him to do so in His way and in His timing… even when it conflicts with my ways and my timing.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, we thank You for Your grace and protection. We ask You to protect and encourage Your people who face persecution. Grant them wisdom and discernment. Give them periods of rest and peace as You granted to Paul. Thank You that we can trust in Your word and Your assurances. What You say You will do, we know you will do. Please help us as Your people to experience joy and peace, even when facing strife. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Encouragement, Faith / Trusting God, Persecution / Glorifying God, Share the Good News, Visions

God Will Encourage and Support Those Who Do His Will

When we choose to submit to Yeshua and listen and obey Him in our life, He will not leave us. Yeshua knows exactly where we are and what we are thinking and doing at all times. He knows our motives as well as our actions. When we commit ourselves to share the gospel with others, we must rely on Him to open their eyes and hearts. We can also rely on Yeshua to encourage and support us as His followers as we do our best to share the good news with others.

In Acts 17, Paul has been chased out of Thessalonica and Berea by Jewish people hostile toward the message of Christ. He then traveled to Athens and Corinth. Paul was giving his best effort to obey Yeshua’s command to share the gospel with all the nations. He met much rejection and even violent persecution along the way. He would move along, but never give up. Surely, he must have been fearful at times and getting tired of constantly facing the wickedness of those who reject Yeshua. God understood where Paul was emotionally and met Him in Corinth to provide support and encouragement… and rest.

Acts 18:5-11

  5But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next to the synagogue. 8Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized. 9And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; 10for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.” 11And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Most of us are not facing physical persecution like Paul, but we will all find ourselves facing times of stress and conflict if we choose to share the gospel faithfully and boldly. At times it may seem like there is much stress and little rest. Be encouraged, continue serving God boldly, and bring your concerns before the Lord. He knows where you are and may already know how and when He will bring you rest to help you prepare for the next part of your journey with Him. He can also help you to endure through the difficult times while you continue in His service.

Isaiah 40:28-31

   28Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.

      29He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.

      30Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,

      31Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please lead and guide me. Help me be fully submitted to You and Your direction for my life. Help encourage me during tough times and also please give me times of rest and refreshing. Above all, help me to be Your loyal and faithful servant. I pray this not only for me, but for all those who call on You and seek You. Amen.  

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Holy Spirit (hearing from God), Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Obeying God, Share the Good News, Submitted / Servant, Visions

Follow God’s Agenda Rather Than Your Own

Many who start out serving God passionately come to a point where they get caught up in their own success and their own plans and, without even realizing it, become less sensitive to listening to and obeying the Spirit as He guides them in their ministry. We do well to remember that we are called to follow God’s agenda rather than our own… and even those who seem to be very good at following God can at times be distracted and led by their own desires or plans, especially when their ministry is successful, and they grow in confidence in themselves.

Paul was without a doubt a very faithful servant of Christ. He was experiencing much success in his missionary journeys and surely faced the same temptations and distractions of many successful pastors and evangelists today. Paul had a desire to speak the word in Asia but was prevented by the Spirit from doing so. We do not get much information in scripture as to the details, but once Paul received the guidance from the Spirit and a vision from God, he changed his plans and obeyed, trusting God rather than his own plans. We should do the same.

Acts 16:6-13

      6They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; 7and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; 8and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

      11So putting out to sea from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and on the day following to Neapolis; 12and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia, a Roman colony; and we were staying in this city for some days. 13And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer; and we sat down and began speaking to the women who had assembled.

Take some time to evaluate your own life. Are there things you feel God has directed you to do, but you have not yet done them because they are different than the plans you developed? If you want to hear from God consistently, obey the things you feel He is leading you to do. How many of us would continue to provide guidance to someone who never listens to what we tell them?

Do you feel that your plans are being defeated over and over again… prayerfully consider if God is blocking you from particular choices or activities in an effort to re-direct your path.

Always verify what you think you hear from God by testing it against what God reveals in the Bible. God will not contradict Himself.

Yes, God does still speak to His people and in many different ways. Sometimes He is subtle and we will not hear Him unless we are still and quiet and patient in listening for Him, believing He will answer.

1 Kings 19:11-13

     11So He said, “Go forth and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12After the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. 13When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

To learn more about hearing from God, review our category of devotions from scripture about Hearing from God.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please block me from going down the paths You do not want me to take. Please guide me to where You want me to go. Help me to submit to Your will and recognize Your guiding spirit. Help me be fully submitted to You and Your agenda rather than my own. Amen.  

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, Government, Is the Old Testament Relevant Today?, Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Strong in Our Weakness, Through Prophets, Wickedness / Evil, Worldliness

Get Back About Restoring Your Relationship with God

The LORD once again restarted the rebuilding of the temple that had been stopped by adversaries convincing the king of Persia to order the building halted. They did not receive permission from the king, but rather from God Himself, through HIs prophets. They took courage and resumed, knowing there were adversaries in the land who would come against them and knowing they were vulnerable to the king of Persia should he look at their actions unfavorably. They took courage and proceeded with God’s work, even when the might of the rulers could come against them.

Ezra 5

Temple Work Resumed

      1When the prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them, 2then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them supporting them.

      3At that time Tattenai, the governor of the province beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues came to them and spoke to them thus, “Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?” 4Then we told them accordingly what the names of the men were who were reconstructing this building. 5But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until a report could come to Darius, and then a written reply be returned concerning it.

Adversaries Write to Darius

      6This is the copy of the letter which Tattenai, the governor of the province beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai and his colleagues the officials, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king. 7They sent a report to him in which it was written thus: “To Darius the king, all peace. 8“Let it be known to the king that we have gone to the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built with huge stones, and beams are being laid in the walls; and this work is going on with great care and is succeeding in their hands. 9“Then we asked those elders and said to them thus, ‘Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?’ 10“We also asked them their names so as to inform you, and that we might write down the names of the men who were at their head. 11“Thus they answered us, saying, ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. 12‘But because our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon. 13‘However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this house of God. 14‘Also the gold and silver utensils of the house of God which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, and brought them to the temple of Babylon, these King Cyrus took from the temple of Babylon and they were given to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had appointed governor. 15‘He said to him, “Take these utensils, go and deposit them in the temple in Jerusalem and let the house of God be rebuilt in its place.” 16‘Then that Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and from then until now it has been under construction and it is not yet completed.’ 17“Now if it pleases the king, let a search be conducted in the king’s treasure house, which is there in Babylon, if it be that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send to us his decision concerning this matter.”

This is not just an interesting chapter in history. This is insight into how we, as followers of Yeshua, should act. Yes, we can be mindful of the government. However, there are times when God will call us to obey Him over the misguided direction of the government. I can think of the recent years of restrictive policy around concern for an illness. It affected many countries, but in particular the US is what I am most familiar with. There were states that would allow gambling establishments and sports arenas to be crowded, but then insist that churches could not be opened for public health concerns. This was nonsense and quite a few pastors and congregations took a stand, to their credit. They were going to fight for their right to worship and gather in Jesus’ name.

Prayerfully reflect on what this may mean for you in your life. What are some things where you may need to stand up for God, even if some leaders in government or business or the community are standing against you? Ask the Spirit to lead you.

As a parting thought, don’t think of Ezra only as the Jews rebuilding the temple. Instead, think of it as God’s people restoring proper relationship with Him according to His ways! This is so totally relevant to us today as many of us seek to do the same thing in the midst of much false teaching that pervades society in general, but even many churches. Get back to restoring your relationship with God according to His instruction! Do not let adversaries stop you!

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help Your people to stand firm and have courage to do what You call us to do, even when we face opposition. Raise up strong, god-fearing leaders who will unite us as Your people and have positive influence over communities and government. Protect us from our adversaries, who truly are Your adversaries. Raise up the righteous and defeat the wicked and worldly who would stop Your people from living as You call us to. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.