Those of the Way Continue to Pray

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

As written about in the post “Good Advice for Us in Today’s World”, there were people who felt threatened by the gospel message because they thought it interfered with their business pursuits. Those who made silver images of the goddess named Artemis (moon goddess Diana) were not tolerant of the gospel taught by Paul. It is amazing that after all these years, it’s not that much different today.

What is important today for those who believe in the Way is to get across that Christianity works well in society because there is the understanding that God has made us all for a purpose and we need to celebrate our diversity.

With this in mind, those of the Way should continue to pray and here’s a song that highlights this point: Pray for You – The Swon Brothers.

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Doing Something That Gives Him Glory

As explained in the post “Applying Our Faith Produces Extraordinary Results” Paul did just as the title says. During Paul’s time and in current times, God works in various ways to guarantee the spread of His word.

This day with God, let us pay attention to our dreams and take action. God blesses those who seek His advice and follow through on His guidance. The Spirit is with us giving thoughts and ideas to shape the future in a positive way.

Receive inspiration from today’s video: Do Something – Matthew West.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. - James 1:22-24

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Living Our Lives to Glorify Him

A sustaining faith is possible if there is a connection to the Vine. As shared in the post “Being Baptized into His Name”, there were twelve disciples that Paul met at Ephesus who knew about repentance but not about receiving the Holy Spirit.

There are difficulties we face daily … a family member is sick, a rough day at work, the need to balance tasks at work, home, or school. When we face these difficulties and turn them over to God, that’s when greatness begins.

Let us ask the Holy Spirit for ideas and the ability to implement these ideas. Let us also look for ways to build up our faith and find ways to share with as many people around the world as possible. Then, more and more will be connected to the ONE with all the resources needed.

Today, we have at our fingertips the use of technology that gives us the ability to share in ways Paul could only dream about. Here is just one example of the use of technology to inspire: Something in the Water – Carrie Underwood.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. - Colossians 2:6-7

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The ONE that is True will Rescue and Pull US Through

In the post “Pull US Through” noted was that Paul faced much opposition from the Jewish leaders. People stepped up to fill the gaps to strengthen the early church. Paul had a daunting task to fight against the Jewish leaders who wanted Judaism to be the only recognized religion of the Roman Empire and to outlaw Christianity.

He relied on help from many during his missionary journey. When he was in Corinth, he stayed with Aquila and Priscilla. Paul then received financial help from his friends at Philippi (2 Cor. 11:8) which gave him the opportunity to devote himself entirely to his missionary work. Then Silas and Timothy joined him in Corinth.

Also written about was a man named Apollos who had a talent of speaking. After he was taught more about the gospel, he was very effective at debating the Jewish leaders by proving from the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

To win the fight against the cultural and religious erosion we are seeing in front of us in the United States and throughout the world, we have to pull together and each use our talents for the glory of God.

We must recognize that our greatest strength or power is prayer because when we pray, we are speaking to the ONE who already has every answer. Enjoy today’s inspiring video with these thoughts in mind: Shoulders – For King & Country.

And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. - 1 Corinthians 12:28

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His Assistance Helps Us Go the Distance

When Paul faced opposition in Corinth as shared in the post “The Day May Be Demanding but God is there to Keep You Standing”, he was able to stand his ground. He received help from his friends and God gave him assurance of safety in a vision. In this vision, God spoke to Paul telling him to keep on teaching the Gospel and not be afraid because he would be protected.

We can be assured today that friends will stand with us. We may face some opposition but like anything that takes off, there is the need for some resistance. A kite flies high because of the resistance of the wind. An airplane couldn’t take off without the resistance of the air on the wings which creates a lift.

This day with God, know that He will always be by your side to encourage and He will provide others to help. His army of angels will provide for your needs to overcome fear and go the distance. Receive inspiration from today’s video: Whom Shall I Fear – Chris Tomlin.

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

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It Only Takes a Spark

As shared in the post “Sparking Curiosity”, Paul began his missionary work in Athens by just meeting people and telling about Christ. This new teaching of Paul in Athens is still available to us today.

Many are looking for answers to the challenges of this world. They’ve looked at the various philosophies in how best to take on these challenges and none seem to work. But there is one plan that has proven to work and continues to work.

Here’s a video to provide that spark today: Build Your Kingdom Here – Rend Collective Experiment.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

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Write a Wonderful Story

As explained in the post “Priceless Principles in the Scriptures”, Paul and the early church faced persecution for sharing about Christ but they wrote a wonderful story that today we get an opportunity to read and provide us with insight in how life should be lived.  

So the lesson is to stay interested and be eager to examine for yourself the priceless principles found in the scriptures. Keep going after what you believe in and people will be able to read your life story many years into the future. Many times in life, we find that it is in the tough experiences that we go through that provide the greatest growth.  

This day with God, keep writing your story so that you can share with others. Put this story to work for the glory of God. What is important is to never give up but keep going after what you believe in. Even under situations when things don’t seem to be working out, keep after it because you may find one simple thing to try and bam! It works.

Enjoy today’s inspirational video: Write Your Story – Francesca Battistelli

May He grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! - Psalm 20:4

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Not Going Under But Being an Overcomer

Written about in the post “Advancing the Gospel Even in Troubles” is how Paul and Silas faced difficulty in doing the will of God. They were beaten publicly and put in prison. But as described in the post, God can advance the gospel even in our troubles.

This day with God, be an over comer even when things happen that should not or when  those you thought you could trust do something that makes you not trust them anymore. Be able to forgive, step ahead, and be grateful for what you do have. Here’s today’s inspirational video as we build momentum this day: Overcomer – Mandisa.

And call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. - Psalm 50:15

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Visions of Hope Become Actions of a Blessed Reality

In the post “Paying Attention to Your Dreams”, written about was Paul’s vision of the man of Macedonia. Paul received this vision as he was sharing God’s Word on his missionary journey and was not sure which direction they should go. Should they share God’s word in Asia or in Europe?

Paul and his companions immediately followed the direction of the Holy Spirit and went towards Macedonia in Europe. We should take this lesson and also pay attention to our dreams and take action. God blesses those who seek His advice and follow through on His guidance.

This day with God will be amazing if we put His guidance into practice. Receive inspiration from this video: What Can I Do – Paul Baloche and put all your hope in God to guide you into the right places at the right time today. Hear and visualize the direction or plans received from God today. Then carry out these plans so that your visions of hope become actions of a blessed reality.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. - Proverbs 29:18

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