Tag: Jesus Christ

Morning Reading: Acts 16: 16-24 ESV – discernment of spirits

Reading: Acts 16:16-24 ESV

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Philippian Slave Girl

As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling.

She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days.

Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.”

The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.

Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

Prayer: Holy Spirit – Give me the gift of discernment that I might know which spiritual manifestations come from you… and which do not. And give me the courage to speak the truth in Jesus’ name… regardless of the cost.  All to your glory. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Mission’s Flame” – Matt Redman

Morning Reading: Acts 16:11-15 NLT – prayer meeting

Reading: Acts 16:11-15 NLT

down to the river to prayWe boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days.

On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. She was baptized along with other members of her household, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Lead me by Your Spirit to those whom You have already prepared to welcome You into their lives… people who are searching, seeking, a relationship with God but don’t know You… people who will open their hungry hearts to You, the Bread of Life. Holy Spirit – Give me a listening, discerning spirit that is open to Your guidance as I go about my daily activities. And help me to create space in my daily routine for the unexpected… for “God moments” to stop, and listen, and share with others the Good News of what You have done for me. To God be the glory. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Down to the river to pray” – Alison Krauss

Morning Reading: Acts 16:6-10 NLT – help us

Reading: Acts 16:6-10 NLT

Modern mosaic, “Vision Telling Paul to Come over to Macedonia,” in Veroia (ancient Berea), Greece
Modern mosaic, “Vision Telling Paul to Come over to Macedonia,” in Veroia (ancient Berea), Greece

Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas.

That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.

Prayer: Holy Spirit – Quiet my heart… clear my mind… calm my spirit – so that I can hear you when you guide me. Give me the discernment to distinguish your voice from the noise within and about me. And give me the will to obediently follow where you lead me. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Here for You” – Matt Redman

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 10:38-42 ESV – one necessary thing

Reading: Luke 10:38-42 ESV

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Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.

But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,  but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – May I put you first in all things. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “This is our God” – Hillsong

Morning Reading: Acts 14:1-7 NLT – divided opinion

Reading: Acts 14:1-7 NLT

Iconium, Lystra, Derbe
Iconium, Lystra, Derbe

The same thing happened in Iconium. Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Some of the Jews, however, spurned God’s message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders. But the people of the town were divided in their opinion about them. Some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles.

Then a mob of Gentiles and Jews, along with their leaders, decided to attack and stone them. When the apostles learned of it, they fled to the region of Lycaonia — to the towns of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding area. And there they preached the Good News.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Give us the courage of Paul and Barnabas… and all who have faithfully fought the good fight down through the ages. May we lift high the cross… honoring those who have gone before us. And may we be united in faith, hope and love… giving you the glory. Amen

Hymn: “Onward Christian Soldiers” – S. Baring-Gould
Note: The hymn begins at 2:30 min
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Onward, Christian solders, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before! Christ, the royal Master, leads again the foe; Forward into battle, see his banner go! Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before!

At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory! Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise! Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before!

Like a mighty army moves the church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod; We are not divided; all one body we, One in hope and doctrine, one in charity. Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before!

Onward, then, ye people, join our happy throng, Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song; Glory, laud, and honor, unto Christ the King; This thro’ countless ages men and angels sing. Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before!