persecution

The GT Weekend! ~ Slain, Week 3

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The GT Weekend! ~ Slain, Week 3

Katelyn Palmer

May 3, 2025

Alive,Comfort,Encourage,Faith,Glory,Joy,Kingdom,Obedience

Rest your soul through reflective journaling,
praying Scripture,
and worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

His Words Before Ours

John 16:20-22

Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. When a woman is in labor, she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy from you.
Read More Of His Words

Reflective Prayer

Dear Yahweh,
I begin this prayer with gratitude. Thank You for the encouragement brought forth by the stories of others’ deep faith in You. Thank You for the reminder of the larger difficulties of this world allowing me to realign my perspective of my personal hardship and blessings. Your gentle rebuke also points me to the truth of John 16:33, which says Jesus has already overcome the world!

I thank You, Lord, for the community of sisters in GTC that support souls all over the world facing various levels of persecution and hardship, as well as celebrate and fortify the growing faith of those very same souls.

As we walk into a new week, God, I ask You to fill each of us with love, hope, and mercy. As You fill our cups to overflowing, place people in our path who need You; give us the opportunity to encourage them with the joy You have given us!

Help us realign our perspectives to those of gratitude and increase our desire to wash ourselves clean in Your Word. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-27, Colossians 3:12-17) Let us walk without fear for we know You are watching, guiding, and protecting those who trust You. (Psalm 121) It is in Your Son Jesus’ name I pray this, Lord. Amen!
Pray Scripture

Worship Through Song

Reflection One

Following Jesus faithfully is simply stated in “full surrender”, but incredibly difficult to live out. In fact, we can only do it through the power of the Holy Spirit living inside believers!

We are offered the free gift of salvation by the mercy of the God who allowed His only Son to bear our sins on the cross, reconciling us to Him as His children and heirs to the throne. All that is required of us is to believe His promise and accept His gift. (Ephesians 2:1-10, Romans 10:8-13) Simple.

Jesus’ commandments to His followers is to love God and love one another as Jesus loved us. (Matthew 22:34-40) Simple.

Loving our enemies. (Matthew 5:44-48) Difficult.
Controlling our tongue. (Proverbs 13:3, James 3:8) Difficult.
Daily dying to our flesh. (Galatians 5:24) Incredibly difficult.

This same sentiment permeates Monday and Tuesday’s studies as Rhonda and Rachel encourage us with John 16:31-33. They remind us that trials and persecutions in this life should be in some way accepted joyfully as they will not overcome the promise of eternity with Christ. Additionally, they play a crucial role in deepening our relationship with God. (James 1:2-4 and 12-18)

Simple truths, difficult to walk out as we live in full life surrender. Sisters, armed with the knowledge that we will face hardship as we follow Jesus, let each martyr’s story encourage you to seek and serve the Lord all the more! Stand firm in your faith when threatened by temptation and persecution, choosing faith over fear.
Monday & Tuesday

Reflection Two

Death leaves a mark on all of our lives, but as we study the stories of martyrs, death can be particularly tender. Each author in our Slain Journey Theme has reminded us most people will not be called to die for Jesus, but all are called to live sacrificially for Him.

If you knew you only had 24 hours left to live, how would you choose to be intentional in love and in mission? Would you spend your fading hours in effort to win the lost? We must mourn the loss of lives like Rocio Pino, but then we must stand in their legacy and mimic their faith and fervor for our shared King!

We must become so intentional that our loved ones recall of us as they did of Rocio, “All who came to her heard about Christ.”

We must focus on the truth that a life favored by this world means we are not living in God’s light, for this world first hated Christ and will therefore hate us as His children. (John 15:18-27)

Sisters, I ask you, are you living a life that would beg others to ask of you for a reason for the hope you anchor in? (1 Peter 3:14-15)
Wednesday & Thursday

Reflection Three

“I love Jesus more than anything” was the common refrain found on Abdiwelli’s lips, but the real proof was evidenced by his regular, ordinary life of constant, willing surrender. No one comes to faith in Jesus and hopes to be martyred; death for Christ wasn’t Abdiwelli’s aim in life, but willing surrender to the God who died to save him? Yes, certainly!

I recently was enthralled by a novel that emphasized regular surrender. The novel was a biography of sorts of a woman who made a significant impact in the lives of those around her, and she happened to live in my city. I had never heard her name, and likely, the vast majority who live in my city wouldn’t recognize her name either, but her life carried weighty impact for many immigrants to the US. Each day, Mrs. Kip surrendered her full self to the service of Christ, whatever it was for the day, and in so doing, she died to herself a little more every day. (The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip)

You likely hadn’t heard Abdiwelli’s story until this week, and you’ve probably never heard Mrs. Kip’s either. But, to the Lord Jesus Christ who appointed each of them as His faithful stewards of the gospel He entrusted to them, every breath in their story infinitely matters.

And so it is with us.

We are called to die to self, everyday. This won’t make land us in the book of martyrs, but it will further the Kingdom of Heaven. It will make us more like Jesus. It will honor our King. It will bring more souls to Him. Not because we are somehow faithful or especially wonderful, but because the Lord God promises to fulfill His purposes in us.

So run faithfully, Sister. Die to self today and live full and free for Christ, the One who holds eternity!
(Written by Rebecca Adams)
2-for-1 Friday

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courage,Easter,eternity,hope,joy,life,martyr,persecution
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Slain Day 15 Abdiwelli Ahmed: Digging Deeper

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Slain Day 15 Abdiwelli Ahmed: Digging Deeper

Guest Writer

May 2, 2025

Alive,Discipleship,Faith,Glory,Hope,Mercy,Peace,persecution

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Abdiwelli Ahmed"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 12:10-12

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say,
The salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Christ
have now come,
because the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night, has been thrown down. 11 They conquered him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
for they did not love their lives to the point of death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them!
Woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has come down to you
with great fury, because he knows his time is short.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Who is the “Accuser” and what is its significance here? (verse 10)

What a proclamation! A mighty voice thundering in heaven that God’s salvation, power, kingdom and His Christ’s authority has come! Hallelujah! The great accuser has been thrown down! Can you imagine what Apostle John, who wrote Revelation, and other first-century believers understood when they heard Satan described as “accuser” along with his total defeat?

Let’s consider the Greek word translated “accuser”, kategoros. This legal term means “one who speaks against another in an assembly,” or a complainant in court. Many believers during this time were familiar with living under both local Jewish governance and imperial Roman law. Legalities were not abstract or distant but were serious and a part of everyday living. Scripture uses the word kategoros five other times (Acts 23:30, Acts 23:35, Acts 24:8, Acts 25:16, Acts 25:18). “In Acts, it appears in the plural and references human prosecutors in Roman legal settings. In Revelation, it appears in the singular and points to the ultimate spiritual prosecutor.” (Biblehub)

It has been noted that biblical scholar, Christian Schottgen, recorded a rabbinic tradition that Satan accused men every day of the year, except the Day of Atonement. Sacrificial blood was presented to the mercy seat on this most solemn of days, symbolically covering Israel and allowing forgiveness of their sins. Satan had no place to speak as the blood spoke for them, restoring them back to God.  A direct foreshadow to the sacrificial blood of Jesus covering His believers and protecting them from the formal charges presented against them. Through spiritual indictment or human prosecution, our early Christian brothers and sisters had an intimate understanding of Satan’s name and his function as our “Accuser.” His defeat was impossible by human systems or ability, the only possible victory was found in shed blood that could perfectly pay for sin, which is why a cry of victory is depicted here.

*Written by Rosie Arand

The Everyday Application

1) Who is the “Accuser” and what is its significance here? (verse 10)

Satan is sincere in his work to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), which are all rooted in Accusation. In Job (Job 1:6-12, Job 2:1-7) and Zechariah (Zechariah 3:1-2), we find examples of Satan petitioning God for the destruction of our fellow saints. These were godly men! God even declared of Job, “no one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity” (Job 1:8); still, Satan accused.

If Satan is so bold to accuse holy men before Almighty God, how much more will he accuse believers against one another? Jesus describes Satan as, “a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) Satan highlights others’ weaknesses to lure us into sin, spotlighting their mistakes, offering complaints against them.

No one is spared; cases against our spouses, children, colleagues, strangers, our own identity, and even God Almighty are offered as enemy bait. His tactics are subtle and swift, appealing to our human nature; he approaches us as if we are judge so our own self-righteous judgment can be exercised. This is why we are exhorted, “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

If you’ve allowed false evidence to pile up as I have, let’s ask the Lord to reveal the truth and repent, accept God’s grace and commit to praying for that person instead of condemning. Together, let’s “…demolish arguments  and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

*Written by Rosie Arand

The Original Intent

2) What does it mean “they conquered him by the blood of the Lamb”? (Revelation 12:11)

The apostle John, through the words of John the Baptist, is the only Gospel writer to identify Jesus as the Lamb of God, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:36) These words would have brought the Messiah’s sacrificial death foreshadowed in Isaiah, “[…] like a lamb led to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7) to the audience’s attention.

John was the only male disciple Scripture records as being present at the crucifixion of Jesus. From the cross, Jesus addresses John, entrusting the care of his mother to him. (John 19:25-26) If John was near enough to hear Jesus’ words about Mary, then he was close enough to see the brutality that had left Jesus’ body “… so disfigured that He did not look like a man, and His form did not resemble a human being.” (Isaiah 52:14, John 19:35) Without question, John saw the blood of the Lamb at Calvary.

Later, John was given a vision to see the blood of Lamb of God again in Revelation, “Look, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered,” and then John saw “[…] One like a slaughtered lamb standing in the midst of the throne.” (Revelation 5:5-6) From prophetic proclamation, to the cross, to the throne, John’s witness shows the blood of the Lamb has truly conquered.

*Written by Rosie Arand

The Everyday Application

2) What does it mean “they conquered him by the blood of the Lamb”? (Revelation 12:11)

Conquer, in a military sense, is the act of using armed force to gain and maintain control over an enemy. (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English) Paul describes Jesus as conqueror through His sacrifice that eternally silences our Accuser enemy, “He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; He triumphed over them in Him.” (Colossians 2:14-15) You and I, dear friend, are victorious through our Lord and Savior!

As much as I know and celebrate the reality of being more than a conqueror in Jesus (Romans 8:37), I admit there are days, or seasons, when I struggle. Life hits hard when least expected, an uninvited season of grief or suffering comes in that just won’t lift, an onslaught of demands outweighing our supply of energy, time, and resources, and the list goes on. At these culminating points, we must each decide who will lead us forward. Our feelings or Jesus? For so many years, I chose the former and it never led to victory.

Paul’s words to the Philippians speak of guaranteed hardship reiterated from our Lord Jesus, “For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.” (Philippians 1:29-30, John 16:33)

Yet, we remind ourselves, we are not wrestling against flesh and blood, but against powers and rulers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12), and have been given the full armor of God and prayer (Ephesians 6:13-18) to stand firm. We battle to gain and maintain control over the enemy’s territory, remembering we are led “in Christ’s triumphal procession” (2 Corinthians 2:14) because of His conquering blood.

*Written by Rosie Arand

The Original Intent

3) What is the power in the witness of their testimony?

The power of witnesses appears throughout Scripture, as people and groups are called to testify of God’s character and deeds. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for witness, “ed,” refers to one who provides evidence or testimony and is vital for establishing truth and justice (BibleHub). God highlights this principle in Deuteronomy 19:15, “One witness cannot establish any iniquity or sin against a person, whatever that person has done. A fact must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

In the New Testament, the Greek word for “martyrs” means “witness”, which is where we derive our modern-day word “martyr”. Jesus describes how His work witnesses on His behalf, “…the works that the Father has given me to accomplish. These very works I am doing testify about me that the Father has sent me. The Father who sent me has himself testified about me.” (John 5:35-37) Only Jesus could accomplish the God ordained mission of paying the penalty of sin for the whole world. (1 John 2:2) His work at the cross and the tomb testifies of His identity and authority as God the Son.

Paul serves as a witness through his role as an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-21) as do each of the other New Testament authors. Later Paul states, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16) Witnessing for the gospel is not mere opinion; it is the power of God for salvation, establishing His justice and truth. Scripture shows this is where martyrs can become martyr by suffering death rather than give up the truth they have witnessed.

*Written by Rosie Arand

The Everyday Application

3) What is the power in the witness of their testimony?

Christ said believers are the light of the world and are compared to a city on a hill that can’t be hidden. (Matthew 5:14) Paul states we are “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20) and Peter says we should be ready to answer questions about the hope within us. (1 Peter 3:15) Whether we like it or not, girlfriend, you and I are on display. We are walking billboards for the Lord.

So, “what are we advertising?” How we speak, dress, treat colleagues and difficult people, drive, choose music, speak to and about our spouses, and spend money is all seen by others. We can pray behind closed doors, then drive like a bat out of, well, you know. For a sincere and powerful witness, our confession and life must match Christ’s example.

Paul urges us to walk worthy of the calling we have received. (Ephesians 4:1) Perfection isn’t possible, but repentance is! We aren’t all be called to give up our physical lives as modern day martyrs, but we are all called to crucify the flesh (Galatians 5:24) and surrender our way of life for His (Matthew 16:25) as we give “witness” to the God who made us new. This lived-out-testimony is the empowering and conquering work of the blood of the Lamb, which cleanses and purifies (1 John 1:7, Revelation 7:14) and speaks for us on the mercy seat (Hebrews 9:12-14). This blood gives us the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11) so we may be “witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”. (Acts 1:8)

“They conquered him [the enemy] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; for they did not love their lives to the point of death.” (Revelation 12:11)

*Written by Rosie Arand

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comfort,Easter,hope,martyr,peace,persecution,sing,worship
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Slain, Day 15
Journey Study

“I love Jesus more than anything. I have suffered persecution because I believe in Him, I obey Him, and I serve Him. I will not live forever in this world and I want to leave behind a heritage for those who live after me.”

These powerful words depict a life completely surrendered to the One who gave His life for us. Abdiwelli Ahmed spoke these words one year before he was martyred in the streets of Kenya on February 7, 2013.

Based on his words, if given the chance to escape death that day, he probably wouldn’t. Why?

Because Jesus was everything to him and the fruit from his death was great.
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Slain Day 15 Abdiwelli Ahmed

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Slain Day 15 Abdiwelli Ahmed

Marietta Taylor

May 2, 2025

Alive,Deliver,Fervent,Follow,Hope,Peace,persecution,Persevere

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 12:10-12
Matthew 16:24-27
John 16:5-16
John 3:16-21
Psalm 49:5-9

“I love Jesus more than anything. I have suffered persecution because I believe in Him, I obey Him, and I serve Him. I will not live forever in this world and I want to leave behind a heritage for those who live after me.” (YWAM Associates)

These powerful words depict a life completely surrendered to the One who gave His life for us. Abdiwelli Ahmed spoke these words one year before he was martyred in the streets of Kenya on February 7, 2013. Based on his words, if given the chance to escape death that day, he probably wouldn’t. Why? Because Jesus was everything to him and the fruit from his death was great.

Abdiwelli Ahmed was from Somalia and raised Muslim. “He was taught that Islam was in his blood. But in 1993, while he was in college, he began to question Islam and compare the Quran with the Bible” (MissionsBox); “He found more than 500 errors and contradictions in the Quran.” (The Voice of the Martyrs) So he left college and enrolled in a Biblical university. He converted to Christianity and started to preach the Gospel. 

Abdiwelli said in an interview, “I was persecuted. I was chased away, then I was beaten up. I was chased away from home. All sorts of bad things were done to me. My whole life was in danger.” (MissionsBox) Notably, he “was the first Somalian to have openly declared his faith after conversion to Christianity” (YWAM Associates); soon after, “A crowd of 40 people came to his mother’s house to kill him.” (MissionsBox) In committing to Christ, he lost his home, his family, and any semblance of safety. But he was undeterred. 

He married Helen, herself a Christian. They lived in Nigeria for three years ministering among the Tuareg tribe. Then, his love for his people led him to settle among the Somali population in Garissa, Kenya. 

Even there, he and Helen faced danger. “The threats began again almost immediately. A group of Muslims arrived at the house of Abdiwelli and Helen with gas cans and intentions to burn her.” (MissionsBox) But Helen shared Abdiwelli’s commitment to God. “‘When we were threatened with death,’ Helen said, ‘we prayed together. That gives us peace, because God said He would be with us.’” (MissionsBox; Matthew 28:19-20)

Abdiwelli Ahmed spent twenty years preaching the gospel and sharing Jesus with others; then, his death planted a seed no murderer could keep from growing. “His story is told among Somali Christians in South Africa, certainly in northern Kenya, in East Africa, even in Minnesota here in the United States, in the Somali community there.” (Baptist Press)

Today, Helen continues the ministry. “We should never stop reaching out to the lost and dying world until Christ comes,” she said. “A friend of mine who is afraid to go to the northeast told me to be careful. I told her, ‘If I try saving my life, I will lose it.’”(The Voice of the Martyrs; Matthew 16:24-27)

Abdiwelli and Helen both realized the true meaning of John 3:16.
“For God loved the world in this way:
He gave his one and only Son, so that
everyone who believes in Him
will not perish but have eternal life.”  

With their eyes on eternity,
Abdiwelli and Helen emulated Jesus’ sacrificial love. 

Revelation 12:11 says, “They conquered [the accuser] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; for they did not love their lives to the point of death.”
Both Abdiwelli and Helen embody this verse. 

We see this echoed in Christ’s own words, “If anyone wants to follow after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it. For what will it benefit someone if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will anyone give in exchange for his life?” (Matthew 16:24-26)

We may not be called to martyrdom, but we are called to take up our crosses and follow Jesus. For me personally, answering this call has been challenging. Choices I made as a young mom were not popular with my daughters (and sometimes other mothers), but often gave me an opportunity to speak about Jesus. I was mocked for my faith at work, but I stood strong. Eventually I had the honor of praying for several of those same mocking coworkers at their request.

Recently, I desperately wanted to attend an event but felt the Holy Spirit leading me to refrain. A friend, who is not a believer, was surprised I willingly “gave it up.” I replied I was being obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, of which Jesus spoke when He said, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13)

My sacrifices seem small, compared to Abdiwelli’s. But they reveal obedience and trust in the Lord. Even these small moments open the door to sharing the Gospel. Jesus is worth both our small and large acts of obedience and love. After all, He gave His life to atone for our sins and rescue us from the power of sin and death! 

As we devote our lives to following Jesus and spreading the Gospel, let us all live by these words:

“[L]et us lay aside every hindrance and the sin
that so easily ensnares us.
Let us run with endurance the race
that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus,
the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
(Hebrews 12:1-2)

Tags :
eternity,hope,persecution,reward
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Slain, Day 15
Digging Deeper

The sons pen a psalm that cleverly asks a riddle, but this isn’t simply a play on words, it’s a riddle rooted within their own heritage.

The answer has been played out in the days, months, and decades since these men watched God’s judgment exact justice from the rebellious ones, which included their own dad.

Years later, Korah’s sons know the answer to the question they ply because they have witnessed its reality.
Dig Deeper!

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April 14 - May 2, 2025 - Journey Theme #139

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Slain Day 11 Jean Paul Sankagui

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Slain Day 11 Jean Paul Sankagui

Rhonda Darville

April 28, 2025

Alive,Encourage,Kingdom,persecution,Purpose

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 1:21-30
John 16:25-33
Joshua 24:14-18
Revelation 2:8-11

Civil unrest in the country of Central African Republic (CAR) became real to me when my sister-friend, Julie, shared news of her sister’s kidnapping by rival, non-Christian factions in CAR. There we were, sitting in her living room in Virginia, discussing atrocities my mind could not fathom but Julie knew all too well. My sister-friend was born and raised in the CAR and personally knew the struggle and violence happening there.

Pastor Jean Paul Sankagui experienced these same struggles when he was martyred in CAR in 2017. As I learned his story, I was reminded of Jesus’s words in John 16:33:

“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” 

Shortly before His sacrificial death, Jesus foretold the suffering He would endure, and told His disciples to expect the same. Yet as His disciples, we can take heart, knowing He is ultimately victorious. Our trials and tribulations will not hamper our eternity with Him. The trials of this present life are nothing compared to what we gain by faithfully following Jesus, even in suffering and death.

Pastor Jean Paul embodied this promise. He desired to be a voice for the Gospel in the Central African Republic. His church was situated in an extremely hostile environment and he did not shrink away from proclaiming the Good News to those around. 

During times of conflict, he refused to flee to safety. Pastor Jean Paul had a wife, seven children, and eleven grandchildren; when his family chose to remain in ministry despite the danger, they depicted Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my family, we will worship the LORD.” They faced strong resistance from local Muslims, who, though a demographic minority, wielded power derived from financial success. Their weapons consisted of the sword and money.

Pastor Jean Paul joined other pastors and believers who took up their cross and followed Jesus. (Matthew 16:24-28) Like Jesus, they too have become conquerors (Romans 8:37-39) and will not experience the “second death” (Revelation 2:11), or eternal separation from God. In Philippians 1:21, early Church preacher and apostle, Paul, explains, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” 

Pastor Jean Paul and his fellow believers who suffered death for their faith were a witness of the great call of Christ. Their lives are a spiritual heritage to those who knew them and to those of us, who hear of their faith in the face of death. Their testimony lives on. Their faith encourages us to press on! 

As I consider Pastor Jean Paul and others who suffered death for their belief, as well as the faithful followers of Jesus listed in Hebrews 11, and our beloved Saviour Jesus Christ Himself, I realise I personally must understand the value of the call to follow Jesus Christ. 

I have found immense value in His call, knowing the love Jesus demonstrated for me by laying down His life for me while I was still a sinner (Romans 5:8) transcends what anyone else has done or will do for me. In my finite mind, I cannot fully comprehend the depth of His love for me, but I am compelled to respond in kind. 

I realise that, like Pastor Jean Paul and those who have gone before, I am just a sojourner in this world. My life is temporary, so I must be a good steward of the gift given to me. I, too, must join the ranks and take up my cross and follow Jesus. My voice must echo the love and knowledge of Christ’s sacrifice so others may gain freedom.

You and I may not be martyred for our faith, but our own personal desires must be crucified and Christ’s life and sacrifice must be magnified. We, as disciples of Christ, must die to sin daily and renew our minds with the knowledge of Scripture. (Romans 12:2) As disciples, our purpose is to proclaim the Good News and share our testimony of His great love to us. 

In closing, I’d like to leave you with the words of the hymn I Have Decided:
“I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry till I see Jesus,
My cross I’ll carry till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.”

May these words encourage us as we follow Jesus, 
choosing courage and faithfulness in the face of suffering, 
believing He has conquered sin and death!

Tags :
courage,eternal life,hope,martyr,persecution
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Slain, Day 12
Digging Deeper

Charles Ellicott asserts that the Holy Spirit would bring “all things which He had said to the mind, and quickened their minds so that they could grasp its meaning.”

Jesus made a way for His words to continue teaching the disciples even after His Resurrection and Ascension.
Dig Deeper!

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April 14 - May 2, 2025 - Journey Theme #139

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Slain Day 9 Latimer & Ridley: Digging Deeper

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Slain Day 9 Latimer & Ridley: Digging Deeper

Rebecca Adams

April 24, 2025

Alive,Discipleship,Fervent,Inheritance,persecution

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Latimer & Ridley"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 15:18-21

“If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you.

Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they don’t know the one who sent me.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) To whom did Paul write this passage and why?

Paul wrote to the followers of Christ who lived in Philippi, a Roman colony. In this passage, which is actually a continuation of the thought begun in 1:27, Paul urged the Philippians to be united as believers, even through persecution.

Scholars believe there was an underlying problem with self-centeredness which Paul addressed in verses 3-4. 

The Everyday Application

1) To whom did Paul write this passage and why?

If self-centeredness was an underlying problem among believers in the first century, how much more it is now! Today’s world is driven by the individual.

We talk about self-esteem, self-reliance, self-help…and people continue to become more isolated. Yes, even in the Christian “community.” We need a revival! We, as the Church, need to re-invigorate our faith and this happens when we come together with a singular purpose, worship for the Father which overflows onto loving those around us.

Persecution has always existed, and will continue until Jesus returns, but our calling to love God and love others through the unified Body of Christ remains constant. 
Are you with me?! 

The Original Intent

2) What is humility and how was the audience to achieve it?

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less, as my pastor says. It requires consideration of other people, putting yourself in their shoes, anticipating their needs. Humility is an active setting aside of your own desires and a deference to others’ needs (not their selfish desires).

Jesus Christ exemplified humility in its highest form by going to the cross, as Paul stated in verses 7-8. He humbled himself by being obedient; the Philippians were to look to Him as their example. 

The Everyday Application

2) What is humility and how was the audience to achieve it?

In isolation, humility evaporates. Self, left alone, will focus on self. It’s sort of a catch-22 situation…so how do we break the cycle? Paul would exhort us to remember who we are in Christ, to look to Him as our example, and to do what He did: get out there and help people!

When truly thinking of others and wanting to meet their needs, it’s nearly impossible to be prideful. There are so many ways to love people through churches and community organizations. Perhaps you even know someone personally who would be blessed by you, maybe someone the Spirit is bringing to mind right now.

Pray about how, and who, you can help, then take a step toward humility by being obedient to the Spirit’s prompting. He will be gracious to help you in your efforts! 

The Original Intent

3) What does it mean to have fellowship with the Spirit?

Every Christian, both first century and present-day, as well as all who came between, have been given the gift of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Because the Philippian believers also had the Holy Spirit within each of them, they could each fellowship with Him.

But the Spirit will also elicit concern for other believers in the hearts of those He indwells. If this is acted upon, a deeper and truer fellowship with the Spirit can occur.

The Everyday Application

3) What does it mean to have fellowship with the Spirit?

How many of us race through life at a break-neck pace, falling into bed exhausted only to do it all again the next day? Sound familiar? 
My life isn’t exactly at break-neck pace, but because of some health issues, I require more rest than most people. Because of that, I never feel like I have enough time to do everything that I want to do. 

When I don’t feel like I have enough time, I don’t take any time to just BE…to be with the Lord, to pay attention to the Holy Spirit leading me. Maybe you can relate, dear sister. In fact, I can almost guarantee that most of us feel this way. We’re doing ourselves a disservice by skipping this communion and we’re also being disobedient by not making God our first and foremost.

We should wake up with excitement to see what God will do through us that day. Instead, I wake up dreading the workday and traffic. God probably rolls His eyes at me. Ha! 

In churches, we consider “fellowship” a meal (or at least snacks!) with other Christians, for the purpose of visiting, connecting, and learning about one another’s lives. Fellowship with the Holy Spirit can be just such a time! Tell Him about the realities of your life and listen for nudges of what He wants you to do and who He wants you pray for! 

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Slain, Day 8
Journey Study

Ridley and Latimer met in a prison cell and later, were fastened to the same stake and burned alive for steadfastly proclaiming faith in Christ and the reformation of His Church.

As they were burning, they encouraged each other with words of confidence in God’s abilities and power.

Latimer told Ridley, “[W]e shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.”
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April 14 - May 2, 2025 - Journey Theme #139

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Run Day 5 Entrusted To Run: Digging Deeper

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Run Day 5 Entrusted To Run: Digging Deeper

Lois Robbins

March 7, 2025

Cross,Meaning,persecution,Persevere,Praise,Security

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Entrusted To Run"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 1:27-30

Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation —and this is from God.

29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How do believers practically follow the directive to live “worthy of the gospel of Christ”? (verse 27)

“If you won’t do it for me, do it for….”. Perhaps someone has challenged you with these words, or maybe you’ve implored someone else to take action for another’s sake.

This is Paul’s motivation when he commissions the Philippian believers to live “worthy of the gospel”. As followers of Jesus, we no longer live for ourselves, rather, every aspect of our lives is meant to be an offering to God. We live in honor of Him, walking worthy of His sacrifice which brought about our salvation.

Paul urged the Philippian believers to walk together for Jesus in beautiful unity with one spirit and one accord for the sole purpose of sharing the gospel and honoring Jesus in their everyday lives.

Living in a Roman military colony where citizenship for Rome came at a price, the Philippian believers understood Paul’s language of citizenship and the responsibilities connected with that privilege. More than citizens of a Roman colony, Philippian Christ-followers were citizens of the Kingdom in Christ. (verse 27) Paul implored them to conduct themselves as members of that kingdom, worthy of the gospel that had bought their freedom and purchased their eternal citizenship.

Their true identity was citizenship under Christ’s rule, not Caesar’s. It’s as if Paul stated, “You are proudly Roman citizens; so am I! (Acts 22:27-28) BUT, constantly bear in mind, your true citizenship belongs to Christ, so exercise that citizenship in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ!”

Isaiah 61:1-2 foretold how the Messiah (Jesus) would be recognized through the Spirit’s work, and it’s this same Spirit of the Lord who indwells every believer. Living worthy of the gospel looks like living as Jesus did, relying on the Spirit of God at work in us.

The Everyday Application

1) How do believers practically follow the directive to live “worthy of the gospel of Christ”? (verse 27)

Like Jesus, as foretold in Isaiah 61:1-2, we are to bring the good news of the gospel to the afflicted (the lost without Jesus), help the broken, comfort those who mourn, and let every aspect of our lives be marked by Christ. (Colossians 3:17)

An impossible task? Yes! Unless we submit to the power of God through His Spirit, this is an impossible race. Our lives must be under the rule of the Spirit.

When we give our control to the Spirit, He grows the good fruit of Jesus in us. His fruit is genuine love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)  


Paul, led by the Spirit to bring the gospel to the afflicted, was imprisoned for preaching as he wrote to the believers in Philippi. He wasn’t sure if he would see the Philippian believers before his execution, so he wrote his most encouraging letter preserved in Scripture to them. Paul exhorted them to conduct themselves as citizens of heaven by honoring the gospel, standing firm in the faith, and living fearless by the Spirit. Bold words coming from a man in prison for submitting his life to the rule of the Spirit!
 

The call to follow Jesus is counter cultural both then and now. Christ remains the same, and so does His Spirit, so our call remains the same. (Romans 11:29) All who fully trust Jesus and turn away from sin are entrusted to run the race of this life under the rule of the Spirit of God. As we run on earth, together with believers everywhere, we are to imitate Christ. (Ephesians 5:1-2) 

Unified by His Spirit, believers are an advancing army against Satan, unwavering in our assault on the gates of hell, as we promote God’s Kingdom. (Matthew 6:10) We’ve been entrusted to run well!

The Original Intent

2) Is Paul’s instruction to not be frightened by opponents actually realistic? (verse 28) 

Paul encourages Christians to live with great courage, rather than fear, in the face of great persecution and trials. His own example of sending encouragement while imprisoned was evidence that his urgings were not impossible, but plausible! A few verses prior, Paul declared that his chains actually helped spread the gospel! (Philippians 1:12-13)

The opponents Paul referenced are likely the false teachers and antagonists mentioned in Acts 16 whom Paul had encountered on his travels. (Acts 16:12, Acts 16:22-24) Paul knew the faces of specific antagonists in Philippi, but he knew many more would come regardless of the location. Where Christ was preached, opposition was certain. Paul’s testimony and constant threat of danger was proof of the truth of Jesus’ words, “You will have suffering in this world!” (John 16:33)

Jesus’ warning was immediately followed by the source of Paul’s courage and the reason he could honestly instruct the Philippians to not be frightened by their opponents. “Be courageous! I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33) Those opposed to the message of Christ didn’t get the final word on God’s People. Christ does! And He won!

God’s message of encouragement runs all the way back to the Old Testament, “Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; He will not leave you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, emphasis mine) 

God’s steadfast promise of His presence as Victor is meant to comfort and help us amid our struggles. Remember, our eternal home and our real citizenship awaits when our journey is done here on earth. Because our victory is sure, we need have no fear! (Psalm 118:6-7)

The Everyday Application

2) Is Paul’s instruction to not be frightened by opponents actually realistic? (verse 28) 

Christians throughout history have experienced intimidation and oppression from taunts and exclusion to death. Those who read Paul’s words in free countries today should praise the Lord for the relative ease we have in following Jesus. We should use our freedom all the more to make Christ known!

When believers live without fear in the face of threats, it serves as a form of evangelism. (Philippians 1:12-13) Our steadfastness in Christ emphasizes the confidence we have in Jesus, which warns those who reject Christ’s offer of total forgiveness. God’s rescue gives great courage to believers, even when faced with the potential of death.

The steady courage of believers reminds unbelievers of their own uncertain lives. (2 Corinthians 2:15-16) During times of anguish and loss, people naturally seek answers to their challenges and relief from their pain. Some, blessedly, turn to God.

Recently, a young mom friend of mine received a diagnosis of breast cancer. Without the hope of Christ, she felt devastated and emotionally numb, but when I asked if she would be interested in a Bible Study, she quickly replied YES!

Now she has the opportunity to hear and receive the gospel! Because I know what it is to suffer with the hope of Jesus, I can extend Christ’s hope to my friend and pray that she will decide to follow Jesus so she too can live fearless.

Yes, dear sister, we can stand fearless and courageous in the face of opposition. Whether it’s the intimidation of sharing our story or facing the loss of life, we can stand secure because Jesus has already rescued us for eternity!

If we suffer reproach and loss for Christ, believers can reckon this as a gift to be used to proclaim Christ! “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) 

The Original Intent

3) What is implied with the word “granted”? Is it a “gift” to both believe and suffer? How is this possible? (verses 29-30)

Possessing, and using, faith to trust in Jesus for rescue from the eternal condemnation of death is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8) Have you considered that suffering for Christ is also a gift?!

Paul writes, “For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.” (verse 29, emphasis mine)

The Greek word used for “granted” in our Bibles is “chaizomai”, which means to do someone a kind favor, to graciously and freely give something that isn’t deserved. (Studylight.org)

To suffer for Jesus, according to God’s own Word, is the equivalent of being granted an esteemed privilege; it is an undeserved jewel of a gift! Peter and other disciples were being beaten for sharing Christ, and as they limped away from their scourging, it was recorded, “Then they (the apostles) went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.” (Acts 5:41)

Scripture is full of similar accounts of persecution followed by rejoicing, singing, and more people coming to know Christ. The suffering of the believer is under God’s sovereign control and will always be used to strengthen the Church and spread the gospel! (1 Peter 2:20)

Make no mistake, our suffering is no accident, neither is it God’s punishment, rather, suffering for Jesus is cause for joy for it is a gift. Suffering apart from following Jesus, holds no privilege, BUT suffering for Christ holds incalculable eternal value. (1 Peter 3:14, 17, Matthew 5:11-12)

Christ suffered for us, and His victory over death assigns value to our suffering for Him. What greater honor than suffering for the Savior who suffered for us?! (Romans 8:17, 1 Peter 4:12-16) His value for our suffering redefines how we view suffering!

The Everyday Application

3) What is implied with the word “granted”? Is it a “gift” to both believe and suffer? How is this possible? (verses 29-30)

This passage particularly speaks to the suffering that comes from following Jesus. Maybe you’re mocked for praying in public, attending church, or listening to worship music, or maybe the threats pose a risk to your life or of those you love. While God will use every suffering to bring us close to Him, it is a special privilege to endure suffering for Jesus.

Consider your heart response to encountering suffering for following Jesus. Do you see it as a gift from the Lord? Are we willing to accept the first gift of salvation, but reject the second gift of suffering?

As citizens of heaven, we are living out of a suitcase on earth, so we shouldn’t treat this as the ultimate goal of our lives, working to make it comfortable. As spiritual aliens, this world is not our home; we should EXPECT opposition for living in light of eternity.

When suffering comes, Christ calls us to stand firm, holding to confident faith that knows beyond all doubt that, whatever the outcome, God will be glorified, and others will see Him through our suffering.

“You are the light of the world […] Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16)

“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)

Let’s welcome the gift of suffering as we pick up our cross, die to ourselves, and let Jesus live in us! May our embrace of His gift showcase our Master’s great love for others!

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Run, Day 5
Journey Study

Our Creator did not abandon us as His creation to fend for ourselves on this race of life.

In fact, we were created for relationship with our Creator, to enjoy an intimate connection with Him. In this relationship, the Lord has promised to shoulder the heavy work of salvation and reconciliation to God on our behalf.

His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. (Matthew 11:30)
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March 3 - March 21, 2025 - Journey Theme #137

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Fervent Day 11 Suffering Of One

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Fervent Day 11 Suffering Of One

Rebecca Adams

March 1, 2021

church,Cross,Fervent,Freedom,God,Holy Spirit,Jesus,Joy

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Romans 15:30-33
2 Corinthians 12:6-10
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

I’ve never really considered myself to have suffered for Jesus.

Unfriended on social media?
Losing a real, face-to-face, personal friendship?
Labeled as the “Jesus girl” or the “church girl”?
On the receiving end of snarky comments, text messages, and emails?

Yes, to all of these.

Beaten for proclaiming Christ?
The lives of my children threatened for my refusal to renounce Jesus?
Imprisoned for relentlessly sharing the gospel?

Never, not once. Not even a hint.

Occasionally, I will remember to pray for the “persecuted church,” even pray fervently with tears and renewed vigor, but I shamefacedly admit to generally feeling fairly disconnected from “them.”

Then, one summer I read a book that marked me for life.
Some things you simply cannot un-read.

Nik Ripken, using a pseudonym to protect his identity and countless other believers whose stories he tells, shared many unforgettable accounts in his book The Insanity of God. Years later, Stoyan’s testimony continues to speak volumes to me.

Stoyan had been imprisoned for his faith, and as Nik thanked him for sharing his story, Stoyan made a remarkable statement:
“I thank God and I take great joy in knowing that I was suffering in prison in my country,
so that you, Nik, could be free to share Jesus in Kentucky.”

My heart plummeted as I read his words, and simultaneously put up defenses.
How could Stoyan consider it a trade-off for himself to be chained so that I can be free?

We aren’t connected!
Me, in midwestern United States, free to drink Starbucks, parade around Target at my leisure, share Jesus when, or if, I want, walk in my church doors whenever I please (or don’t please) and belt praise music whenever I feel (or don’t feel) the urge.
Stoyan and I are not connected.
How could we be so intertwined that I should feel a debt to him and his persecution?

A debt so heavy I should feel all the more urged to share Jesus, as if on his behalf?

My response was similar to Nik’s…
“Those words pierced my soul. I looked Stoyan straight in the eyes. ‘Oh, no!’ I protested. ‘No! You are not going to do that! You are NOT going to put that on me. That is a debt so large that I can never repay you!”

I pray Stoyan’s response will mark your heart like it has mine.

“Stoyan stared right back at me and said, ‘Son, that’s the debt of the cross!’
He leaned forward and poked me in the chest with his finger as he continued,
‘Don’t you steal my joy! I took great joy that I was suffering in my country,
so that you could be free to witness in your country.’

Then he raised his voice in a prophet-like challenge that I knew would live with me forever: ‘Don’t ever give up in freedom what we would never give up in persecution! That is our witness to the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ!””

“Don’t ever give up in freedom what we would never give up in persecution.”

Sisters, I confess I have done exactly this.
I have indeed “given up” sharing the hope I and Stoyan both possess because, well, I have other things to do, you know? All the Target runs, the coffee, the groceries, the running of kids to all the places, the laundry, oh please the laundry…
Besides, what if I push someone away in my passion to share Jesus?
What if I offend someone?
What if they ask me a question I can’t answer?

When I am afraid of “awkward”. . .
I plead for the Holy Spirit to remind me of Stoyan’s call to
“never give up (my witness of Jesus) in freedom what he wouldn’t give up in persecution.”

The apostle Paul was familiar with persecution.
He was also familiar with the comforts of life.
He knew hunger, and he had lived in plenty.

He knew years of education and finery, and had also felt the cuts of whips, the weight of rocks as he was stoned, and emotional distress accompanying oppression.

His prayers on suffering in the church have little to do with being removed from it, but rather, persistence to share Jesus in suffering, together with other believers.

“… brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, (…) and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people…”
(2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, emphasis mine)

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayers to God on my behalf. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints…” (Romans 15:30-31, emphasis mine)

Stoyan, Paul, Nik, myself, and you, dear sister Christ-follower, wherever you are living in the world, are all connected.

There is no “persecuted church” and “free church.”
We.
Are.
Church.
Together in One Body, Christ’s.

Every single believer carries the weight of the same gospel, purchased by the same blood, from the same God and Savior of us all. May we cease to be guilty of “giving up in freedom what our brothers and sisters refuse to give up in persecution.”

Stoyan is right to expect the free-by-law believers, to boldly share Jesus, precisely because he is suffering for the same gospel.

We are bound together.
All suffering together.
All preaching Christ together.
All interceding for one another together.

Unity is the heart of Paul’s laborious prayers and the thread woven through every single letter he penned. Because we are one, may we live, and preach, and suffer as one.

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free,Give Up,One,persecution,Pierced,share,soul,suffering,testimony,witness,Word
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Fervent Day 12
Digging Deeper

Promised peace and confidence in waiting for it, despite the contents of our everyday lives, may at first seem ridiculous to even consider. But, wait.

Suppose the Lord was carrying around peace and confidence with Him everywhere you are, waiting to give them, but you never sat down with Him to really pray in all honesty and gut-wrenching transparency. He’s there. His peace is waiting.
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Feb 15 - Mar 5, 2021 Journey Theme #85

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Fervent Day 5 Character Counts

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Fervent Day 5 Character Counts

Sara Cissell

February 19, 2021

Character,Christ,Deep,Faith,Faithfulness,Fervent,Gospel,Paul,Prayer,Purpose,Scripture,Truth

Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 3:16-21
Acts 9:1-31
Psalm 111:1-10


 

I have been blessed with amazing parents. The Lord has used them and their examples to shape me in innumerable ways throughout my life.

Sitting down to prepare for this study helped me see another such way they impacted me.

Recently, a friend of mine had unexpected car trouble and needed a ride. As it was the middle of a work day, I could not leave to help. However, I knew my parents might be available. I texted them and quickly got a response they could come to the rescue.

In this scenario, I confidently knew if my parents were not in the middle of another commitment, they would be willing to help. Over the years, they’ve shown their hearts are to serve and demonstrate the love of the Lord in tangible ways.
This pattern enabled me to ask with humble expectation. 

Just as I had confidence to ask my parents for help, Paul had confidence to pray according to the proven character of the Lord. His rich history with the Father enabled him to pray with faith and fervency.

That history began when Paul, formerly known as Saul, hunted those who loved Christ. His first encounters with the Lord involved witnessing the faith of those he persecuted. How must Saul have been impacted by the faithfulness of the Lord shown to someone literally suffering for believing in Him?

The road to Damascus encounter shifted Paul’s world, and he became as those he’d once hunted. His knowledge of the law became a foundation for freedom as he learned to walk with the Truth. The fervency with which Saul once attacked Christians became the fervency with which Paul sought to spread the Gospel.

Paul did not lead an easy life. He experienced great persecution throughout his missionary journeys. Beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonments are only a few of his documented trials. I have no doubt Paul’s understanding of the Lord’s character carried him through every struggle. Because Paul boldly walked with the Lord in his private life, he was able to carry that boldness into his public life. The God he knew first in intimate prayer, was the God he depended on in persecution and trial. Prayer was the undercurrent weaving both together with integrity. Paul captured his encounters, both public and private, in writing so we have powerful examples of perseverance, humility, and faithfulness.

While I haven’t experienced the degree of challenges Paul did, the Lord has revealed His character to me by faithfully walking me through every season of my life. For instance, I waited for my husband for decades (for the record, I did not start counting at birth!). I relied heavily on the Lord and Scripture throughout those years. I believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13-14), that He would never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5-6), and many other promises in the Word. He poured into me sustaining contentment because I knew He is faithful.

Ironically, but probably not surprisingly, the arrival of my husband presented new and intense opportunities to lean heavily on the Lord’s character and deepen my prayer life. We married as the pandemic shut down the world, and I stepped into an overwhelming whirlwind of change.

In the midst of a season when almost all of my identity markers have shifted, I have rooted myself in who the Lord says I am and trusted He would remain true to His character, bringing to pass what He desired in me. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

I am deeply thankful for the answered prayer of my husband and all the growth my marriage has already evoked in me. I am even more appreciative that, as my world tumbles into a new normal, the Lord faithfully remains the same. Knowing I can call on Him and will surely find Him enables me to pray with confidence and purpose.

Trust His character and pray with confidence. He is faithful!

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Fervent Day 5
Digging Deeper

Paul viewed suffering for Christ as a privilege, even stating Christians are “coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:17)

Suffering is part of the Christian experience, but it is only part. God provides comfort, joy, and privilege surpassing any suffering we endure.
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Feb 15 - Mar 5, 2021 Journey Theme #85

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Calling Day 7 For This Reason: Digging Deeper

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Calling Day 7 For This Reason: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

October 13, 2020

Blessed,Digging Deeper,Equipped,Faith,Holy Spirit,Mercy,Power,Remade,Struggle,Suffering,Waiting

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "For This Reason"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 3:1-21

For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. 3 The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above.

4 By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5 This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. 8 This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, 9 and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.

10 This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. 11 This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him.

13 So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory. 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 16 I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, 19 and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
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The Original Intent

1) How does Paul suggest we be filled with all the fullness of God? (verse 19)

In Ephesians 3:19, Paul prays his readers will be “filled with all the fullness of God”. “Fullness” comes from the Greek “pleroma” and “describes the full measure of something with an emphasis on completeness.” (Precept Austin.org) When Paul prays for the Ephesians to be filled with all the fullness of God, he begins by praying they would be “rooted and firmly established in love and be able to comprehend the length and width, height and depth of God’s love that surpasses knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)

To experience this love beyond any measure is the beginning of being filled with all the fullness of God.  Author Stephen Cole suggests, “Paul is praying we will attain to spiritual perfection, having all that God is fill us to overflowing. As our capacity to receive it grows, He keeps filling us again and again. The idea of fullness implies total dominance or control, so that God perfectly controls our minds, our emotions, and our will.” 

We can be filled with all the fullness of God when we give God all access and full control of all parts of our lives.  The better we know Him and His love, the more willing we are to let Him in to fill us and change us. 

Paul follows this prayer to be filled with God’s fullness by reminding us that God can do much more than we can think or ask. (Ephesians 3:20) This extends to filling us with His love and with everything that God is and has for us.  He can fill us to a fullness we can’t even fathom!

The Everyday Application

1) How does Paul suggest we be filled with all the fullness of God? (verse 19)

It still amazes me some days that God chose to redeem me and chooses to love me.  I wouldn’t do it if I were Him.  I would have given up on me a long time ago, but God’s ways are far above mine. (Isaiah 55:9) He not only chose me, redeemed me and loved me, but He has all kinds of blessings and good things in store for me. (Ephesians 1:1-14)

Paul calls it “being filled with all the fullness of God”. (Ephesians 3:19) He wants to make me more and more like Him by filling me with His fullness. He wants me to look like Him so I can draw others to discover Him. The best part is, I don’t need to do anything in my own strength to accomplish this!

I cannot fill myself with all the fullness of God.  He fills me up with His love, His mercy, His grace, His compassion, and all the other things He is, so I will spill over with “His fullness”.  He fills me to capacity, and then when I grow, He fills me to capacity again. 

Sometimes, He fills me just by pouring out His love and His goodness on me.  Sometimes, He fills me by letting me struggle and grapple and pursue. Even when what I feel as being empty, He is actually in the process of filling me with hope and faith.  I agree with Paul that “God’s love surpasses knowledge” (verse 19), and I am grateful He keeps filling me as I grow to be more like Him.

The Original Intent

2) How does God do above and beyond what we can ask or even think? (verse 20)

In Ephesians 3:20, Paul exhorts the Ephesians to give glory to the God who is “able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us.”  It’s not lost on his readers that Paul writes this encouragement from a prison cell in Rome, where he sits because of his unceasing desire to preach the Gospel. Yet, Paul is focused on how the power of God in us can do far more than we think possible.

Author Priscilla Shirer observes that Paul is “just spilling over himself, tripping over himself trying desperately to figure out how to communicate the greatness and the grandeur of God’s capacity and His ability to work miracles in our lives and to be engaged in the details of our everyday living.” Even in his difficult circumstances, Paul believes God’s power is beyond human comprehension. 

Thomas Constable asserts, “The basis for Paul’s confidence that God is able to do far beyond what he had prayed for or could even imagine was the work God had done to bring Jews and Gentiles together in one body.”  Preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles became Paul’s life work, and he had daily proof that God could bring about unity and harmony in Christ beyond what Paul ever thought possible.

Paul’s faith in God’s vast power was also based on his own conversion experience, which found him walking toward Damascus with intent to harm Jesus’ followers and instead encountering Jesus Himself. This experience turned his life upside down. Instead of persecuting Christians, he was now converting others to Christianity, which was abundantly more than he could ever have considered. 

Paul knew better than anyone how far God can go beyond our petitions and our thoughts; this knowledge caused him to give glory to God.

The Everyday Application

2) How does God do above and beyond what we can ask or even think? (verse 20)

I have always been a tea drinker.  I believed all teas were about the same, until a friend gifted me a tin of gourmet cinnamon tea sachets.  Once I tasted that brew, I was ruined for any other cinnamon tea! I tried going back to cinnamon tea in the grocery aisle, but it would no longer suffice. The store brand tea was flat and bitter compared to the gourmet blend with hints of citrus.

I think of this experience when I read Paul’s words in verse 20, “God’s power in us can do more than we could ask or dream up”.  Before my friend’s gift arrived, I had only known to ask for regular cinnamon tea, but this special blend was beyond anything I’d imagined! It is important to consider this truth when I am asking God for things or imagining how I want things to go. 

God has plans and purposes beyond what I can dream that are abundantly more than I can comprehend. He puts His power in me so He can do great things beyond my wildest imaginings to bring Him glory. I need to ask Him for what I can imagine, then trust Him to do more beyond that. He doesn’t want me to be limited by what I can think or what I know to ask for; I need to be open to all He has for me. 

Usually that doesn’t come in a package that says, “better than you can imagine.” It often comes wrapped in change, difference, discomfort, and unknown. This is why Paul prays for the Ephesians to be “strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit and to have faith.” (verse 16) He knows that trusting God is key.

May we trust in Him to do abundantly more than we can even think to ask Him!

The Original Intent

3) Why does Paul say his afflictions are for the glory of the Ephesians? (verse 13)

When the apostle Paul told the Ephesians his afflictions are their glory in verse 13, he wasn’t speaking flippantly. Paul’s mission since his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) had been to share the Good News of Jesus with the Gentiles. Fulfilling this mission caused him countless problems, including beatings, stoning, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and various physical dangers and discomforts. (2 Corinthians 11:25-26)

Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians while under Roman house arrest, and the people worried about him. Paul told the Ephesians he didn’t want them to feel bad he was going through hard times for them because everything he faced was part of his heavenly mandate to bring the message of salvation to them. Through his hardships, they received the message of God’s redemptive love, and that was worth everything he suffered. 

Peter Pett notes Paul declared his trials are “either a cause for them to glory, or will result in glory for them, or both. Without his imprisonment there may well have been no letters, and what would we have done then?”

Paul was as zealous to convert people to Christ as he had been to condemn Christians before his own conversion. Every trial he faced brought the Gospel to more people, which was cause for rejoicing.

The Everyday Application

3) Why does Paul say his afflictions are for the glory of the Ephesians? (verse 13)

The internet is full of beautiful stories about people shaving their heads to show solidarity with loved ones losing their hair to chemotherapy for cancer. My tears fall with every pass of the razor when I watch those clips!  When I was a kid, I had a pal who was one of the only red heads in our small town, and he suffered a lot of teasing and embarrassment as a result.  His mom decided to dye her own hair red so he wouldn’t feel so alone. These stories of people willing to endure hard things for their loved ones are deeply inspiring to me. The love they have is powerful.

Even more inspiring to me is the lengths the apostle Paul was willing to go so he could share the Gospel with the Gentiles. He suffered much more than losing hair! He opens his letter to the Ephesians by calling himself the “prisoner of Jesus Christ on behalf of the Gentiles“. (verse 13) He endured intense persecution to preach salvation to those who would listen. Jesus’ love for Paul was so radical and bursting with grace, Paul was compelled to give this love away.

Christ got Paul’s attention when He revealed himself to Paul on the road to Damascus, and Paul lived his life from that moment on with the singular purpose of sharing God’s love with everyone he could. He was glad to suffer abuse if it meant the Gospel would be preached to more people.

He wanted everyone to know how deep and how wide God’s love is. (verse 18) He experienced God’s powerful love, and it made him able to love others profoundly, even when it cost him dearly.

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For this reason.
These are the first three words in Ephesians 3.

Lean in, sisters. Paul is about to explain the motivation driving his life of incredibly challenging, incredibly impactful kingdom work.

What propelled him to get up after each beating? What kept him going after shipwrecks? What urged him to declare the Gospel with the same vigor he once used to attack the church?

For this reason.

Paul knew his why. And that made all the difference.
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