TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia.” Acts 19:26a
Read: Acts 19:26
Listen: Acts 19
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Through Demetrius’s words, we see how powerfully God moves in the province of Asia. Demetrius is angry because of the number of people who choose to follow Jesus and listen to the words of Paul. Today’s verse talks about Ephesus as a hub for the Jesus-message and how Paul successfully pushes through the opposition and conflict. It shouldn’t surprise us to see Paul move on to a new place immediately afterward (Acts 20:1). The work God did in Ephesus was extraordinary and became a dynamic hub for the work of God in the whole region.
It can be easy to assume that God isn’t interested in doing something dynamic like that in our life or our city. Watch this video as Pastor Jeff Manion reminds us that we just never know the spiritual impact downstream of our faith and faithfulness. The parent—amid the repeat of days full of diapers, messes, tears and joy —talks to the children about God. They may never know how God uses that in the lives of their kids, grandkids and great grandkids. The worker who stops speaking disrespectfully or spreading gossip about coworkers may never know how God uses that in the hearts of those watching. We may never know how God uses our faithfulness in our small group to help grow individuals and families into a deeper relationship with himself. May God be pleased to ripple out from our homes, workplaces, small groups and church throughout our city.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Go to God in a prayer of anticipation. Pray something like this, “God, use me. Move in my heart and the hearts of those around me. Help me be faithful to the things you have called me to and help me bring you glory in each day. God, use my faithfulness and create a ripple effect from me throughout my family and community.”
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Hebrews 9.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
