Month: August 2013

Morning Reading: Acts 21:15-25 NLT – respecting differences / preserving unity

Reading: Acts 21:15-25 NLT

After this we packed our things and left for Jerusalem. Some believers from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to the home of Mnason, a man originally from Cyprus and one of the early believers. When we arrived, the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem welcomed us warmly.

The next day Paul went with us to meet with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church were present. After greeting them, Paul gave a detailed account of the things God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry.

After hearing this, they praised God. And then they said, “You know, dear brother, how many thousands of Jews have also believed, and they all follow the law of Moses very seriously. But the Jewish believers here in Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn their backs on the laws of Moses. They’ve heard that you teach them not to circumcise their children or follow other Jewish customs. What should we do? They will certainly hear that you have come.

unity“Here’s what we want you to do. We have four men here who have completed their vow. Go with them to the Temple and join them in the purification ceremony, paying for them to have their heads ritually shaved. Then everyone will know that the rumors are all false and that you yourself observe the Jewish laws.

“As for the Gentile believers, they should do what we already told them in a letter: They should abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father – you love variety… you infused variety into every aspect of creation. You made us all wonderfully different from one another… different languages, cultures, races, statures, and religious traditions. Lord Jesus – you have broken down the walls that separate us from one another through your death on the cross. Bring us together in a unity of faith… believers who repent of their sins, receive your forgiveness and mercy, and live life to the full according to your grace. Holy Spirit – fill us anew with your presence and power. Produce your good fruit in us and manifest your gifts among us that we might experience the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace… and so respect and rejoice the wonderful variety among us. To God be the glory. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “We Are United in Jesus Christ” – Carol Cymbala

Morning Reading: Acts 21:1-13 NLT – heart-breaking prophecies

Reading: Acts 21:1-13 NLT

After saying farewell to the Ephesian elders, we sailed straight to the island of Cos. The next day we reached Rhodes and then went to Patara. There we boarded a ship sailing for Phoenicia. We sighted the island of Cyprus, passed it on our left, and landed at the harbor of Tyre, in Syria, where the ship was to unload its cargo.

We went ashore, found the local believers, and stayed with them a week. These believers prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem. When we returned to the ship at the end of the week, the entire congregation, including women and children, left the city and came down to the shore with us. There we knelt, prayed, and said our farewells. Then we went aboard, and they returned home.

The Prophecy of Agabus by Louis Cheron (1660-1713)
The Prophecy of Agabus
by Louis Cheron (1660-1713)

The next stop after leaving Tyre was Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed for one day. The next day we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen to distribute food. He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy.

Several days later a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. He came over, took Paul’s belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, “The Holy Spirit declares, ‘So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.’” When we heard this, we and the local believers all begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

But he said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

Prayer: No turning back, Lord, whatever the cost. No turning back. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “I have decided to follow Jesus”

The Park Forum – devotional options for people on the go

‘IT CAN’T BE ABOUT ME.’ —Bethany Jenkins, in Central Park
‘IT CAN’T BE ABOUT ME.’
—Bethany Jenkins, in Central Park
Peanut Gallery: Are you looking for something thoughtful and fresh to spice up your devotional life?

Check out The Park Forum click here.

Our Mission. As the Park is to the City, so the Word is to Life. This is what we believe about the Bible – that we can rest, play and run in the Word. We exist to promote Bible engagement in the urban church on a daily basis by creating short and smart materials – for individuals and small groups.

Our Unique Small Group Curriculum. Subway Series. The Subway Series is our unique small group curriculum that provides regular quiet times of 750 words or less – the same word limitation as op-eds in the New York Times. For more information, see here.

Our Daily Urban Devotional. 843 Acres. In 400 words or less, 843 Acres provides a reflection on one of two daily readings taken from the M’Cheyne Reading Plan. For more information, see here.

The video below is an introduction.

Morning Reading: Acts 20:13-38 NLT – guard yourselves and God’s people

Reading: Acts 20:13-38 NLT

Paul went by land to Assos, where he had arranged for us to join him, while we traveled by ship. He joined us there, and we sailed together to Mitylene. The next day we sailed past the island of Kios. The following day we crossed to the island of Samos, and a day later we arrived at Miletus.

Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didn’t want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost. But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.

Paul's Farewell Ephesus
Apostle Paul’s Farewell
with the Elders of Ephesus

When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike — the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

“And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus — the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

“And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock — his church, purchased with his own blood — over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you — my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

“And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Help us all to finish well… no regrets. Give us the courage to examine our hearts… to review our ministries… and to put right any wrongs we may have done. Give us a spirit of humility, Lord, it’s never been about us… it’s always been about you. And help us to make clear the message of help and hope you offer to all… friend and foe alike. May we not shrink back from the essential message of repentance and the forgiveness of sin made possible through your death on the cross. And may we also speak boldly of our blessed hope of eternal life and your immanent return. Raise up capable leaders who will shepherd and protect your flock when we are gone. And may you be honored in all things. Amen.

Hymn: “The Church’s One Foundation” – S. J. Stone (1866)

Please pray for Christians in Bhutan – World Watch List #28 (Open Doors)

BHUTAN (Wikipedia) – World Watch List #28 (Open Doors UK)

World Map showing Bhutan
World Map showing Bhutan

Population: 750,000 (20,000 Christians)
Main Religion: Mahayana Buddhism
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Source of Persecution: Religious militancy/tribal antagonism

Despite its transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy, Buddhism continues to play a dominant role in Bhutan. The constitution promotes religious tolerance, but parliament is still considering an amendment to the penal code aimed at prohibiting ‘conversion by coercion or inducement’. Christians can generally meet in private homes without government interference, but the authorities restrict the construction of non-Buddhist places of worship and the celebration of some non-Buddhist festivals. Although reports of Christians being arrested or physically harmed are decreasing, believers still face harassment.

Bhutan ChristiansPLEASE PRAY:

  • The media portrays Christians negatively. Pray for positive change in society’s attitude to Christianity
  • The church lacks trained leaders. Pray for training opportunities for pastors and church workers
  • That the transition to a more democratic rule would bring genuine change for religious minorities.


[Local Bhutanese spinning the prayer wheels at a monastery in Bumthang during a mass noviciation ceremony, as seen on a Cox & Kings holiday (www.coxandkings.co.uk)]

PERSECUTION DYNAMICS

Bhutan city streetBhutan was a Buddhist kingdom for centuries and even now, after introducing a constitutional monarchy and democracy, Buddhism plays a dominant role. The monarch is deemed to be the protector of all faiths in Bhutan, which includes Hindus and a small, albeit increasing, number of Christians. However, there is a lot of pressure on Christians from the local community, especially local administrators who deny meetings and put obstacles in the way of believers. Although the constitution of Bhutan promotes secularism and religious tolerance, it also labels Buddhism as the ‘spiritual heritage’ of the country.

Bhutan woman and childThe church in Bhutan is no longer an underground church and Christians are able to meet in private homes on Sundays, generally without interference from the authorities. Reports of Christians being arrested, physically harmed or otherwise badly treated remain on the decline but they still face harassment. The media has not helped the Christians’ case and Christianity is viewed as a religion that brings the sort of chaos and division in society that Bhutan shuns.

ANECDOTAL REPORT:

Karen*is a Christian teenager in Bhutan and has asked us to pray for her parents who are non-Christians. “My mom and dad are still orthodox Hindus,” she said. “Please continue praying for them.”

After finishing high school, Karen took a job at a beverage factory and moved out of her home town. She is staying at a cousin’s place at one of the border areas in southern Bhutan, where Hindu communities thrive. In her new surroundings, Karen’s newfound hope is tested.

Bhutan scenery“My uncle’s eldest son beat me when he discovered I was a Christian,” Karen says. “Please pray for him too; pray that he discovers the Lord Jesus Christ.” But Karen does not give up her faith. She continues attending the house church in her new village.

Karen’s steadiness in the faith has been evident also at work, and she was promoted as a result. “From the packaging section, I am now assigned to work at the counters. May God continue to grant me favor.”

Please continue to pray for Karen as she grows in her faith, despite the persecution that she faces.

*Karen’s real name and other details about her are withheld for her security. She is the only Christian in her family.