Unhinderedly!
God will get us where we need to be when we need to be there! I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6 ESV). While these may be easy words to say, they are much harder words to live. Yet the people who first heard these words knew that Paul shared them with conviction and passion. He wrote from prison.*note He was under house arrest awaiting trial before Caesar and was chained to a Roman soldier (Acts 28:20; Philippians 1:7; Ephesians 6:20; Colossians 4:12). When Paul had first set foot on the shores of Italy, he had been welcomed by believers from Rome. Even though he was a prisoner of Rome, they were not ashamed to be identified with him and accompanied him on his journey to Rome (Acts 28:11-16). While under house arrest, Paul had spoken to Jews and non-Jews about Jesus. Some had listened and became followers of the Lord (Acts 28:17-31). In fact, some who guarded Paul became his brothers in Christ (Philippians 1:17). Paul knew he could be executed because of his current imprisonment. Yet he was confident that he would be released. Through the prayers of believers and the power of the Holy Spirit, he was confident that he would again serve his brothers and sisters in Macedonia (Philippians 1:18-26). Paul was under a God-ordained calling to go to Rome. He had written to the believers in Rome that God was leading him to come to Rome (Romans 1:15). Even while enjoying a great victory over demons, sorcery, and witchcraft in Ephesus, he didn’t hesitate to move forward. Paul told the Ephesians that he had to move on to Rome (Acts 19:21). After Paul’s arrest, assassination plots were planned by his enemies. When everything and everyone seemed to be against him, God revealed that he would go to Rome (Acts 23:11). This was important to him, because Paul was compelled by the love of Christ. His call was to share the message of Jesus to those who had never heard it (Acts 20:24; Romans 15:20-29). He was also committed to encouraging the believers in Rome (Romans 1:11-13). Getting to Rome, however, was quite a challenge. Yet God was faithful and Paul could say: I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6 ESV). Paul passionate lived convinced that these words were true. His journey to Rome was filled with all sorts of twists and turns. Luke’s account of Paul’s journey by sea to Rome in chapters 27 and 28 of Acts are as exciting as any young adult adventure novel. Plots to assassinate him were followed by trials and intrigue – read Acts chapters 21-26. Then Paul boarded a ship under arrest headed to Rome where he would appeal to Caesar for his deliverance. Slow sailing in the early part of the trip meant that the owner of the ship and the captain had to decide whether to try to make it to Rome in the dangerous late October weather. Paul warned them to wait, but they set sail. Things went from boring in the early part of the trip, to bad winds, to worse winds, to terror filled storms, to plots to kill the prisoners including Paul to keep them from escaping, to schemes by some sailors to steal a lifeboat and get away, to tossing out all the tackle, to throwing overboard all the supplies, to holding the ship together with ropes, and finally to running aground in a storm. When the ship broke up in the crashing waves driven by the storm, all prisoners escaped to the island of Malta. On shore, this mixed group of sailors, prisoners, and soldiers was warmly greeted. As the nearly 300 men tried to warm themselves by fire, a viper came out of the burning wood and fastened itself to the hand of Paul. Paul shook it off and was unharmed by the venom. This incident opened the door for Paul to minister to the people there. When winter passed, the group sailed to Italy, and Paul was accompanied by believers as they walked him from the coast to the imperial city of Rome. I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6 ESV). Luke ends Paul’s story in the book of Acts a triumphant, yet ungrammatical ending. In the original language, Luke’s last word is an adverb often translated “without hindrance.” Literally, the word could be translated in its adverbial form as “unhinderedly”! Led by the Spirit, Luke wanted this last word of the book of Acts to ring in the ears of disciples of every generation until Jesus returned: “Unhinderedly”! Despite hardship, opposition, and near death experiences, God brought Paul to Rome as he had promised. Paul shared the message of Jesus to both Jews and non-Jews while under house arrest. He wrote several of his most powerful letters to churches – Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians. *note Paul’s story was the living example of the assurance he offered to his beloved brothers and sisters in Philippi. Today, in a world growing more hostile toward those who believe Scripture and who follow Jesus, we must remember these powerful words of Paul to the Philippians. Our struggles are not forgotten. Our cause is not going to fail. Our impact on the world will not pass into non-existence even under the assault of time and culture. The Holy Spirit will empower us to bring grace to the lost and encouragement to the fainting. The Lord Jesus will continue as head of his body, the church. The question is whether we – whether you and whether I – will be faithful to the Lord Jesus who has called us. Because… I
28 Aug 2025
Those who always pray have a testimony because the Lord is always with them. Seeking the Lord always is never in vain. He never forsakes those who do it. He is more than a faithful friend and there is nothing too difficult for Him. Psalm 9:10.
Daily Prayer for August 28
The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. Psalm 93:1, NIV Lord our God, you are king, founding a kingdom that reaches to the ends of the earth, establishing it to endure forever. We thank you that we may be sheltered in your hands and that no sickness of body or soul can do us lasting harm. We thank you for lifting us again and again to true life with the light and power to overcome what is earthly, true life with the flexibility to remain trusting and confident no matter what happens, true life directed to the great goal of God’s kingdom, promised to us in Jesus Christ. Amen. Recent articles on Plough The Killer in Our Choir Daylan Woodall My hometown’s hidden history of violence has left wounds that only divine justice could heal. Read now Tights Narine Abgaryan If only I had grabbed warm tights for her. During a lull between explosions, she darted out to grab warm clothes, and her daughter chased after her. Read now Forgiving the Unforgivable? Hanna-Barbara Gerl-Falkovitz Did forgiveness die in the concentration camps? Read now The Fantasy World of John Masefield Boze Herrington Masefield’s novels are a glorious hodgepodge of boat voyages, witch covens, flying cars, gun battles with gangsters, talking cats, and time travel. Read now Climbing Through the Ropes Elisha James Jones As I consider how to guide my son in what it means to be a man, I turn to boxing. Read now
Today’s Verse – 1 John 2:27
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit — just as it has taught you, remain in him. —1 John 2:27 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When we became Christians, we were not only cleansed by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), but the Holy Spirit filled and indwelled us (Acts 2:38-39; Romans 8:9). John speaks of receiving and having the Holy Spirit as “his anointing” – Jesus poured the Holy Spirit out on and into us, when we came to Christ (Titus 3:3-7). The Spirit helps us hear the truth about Jesus (1 John 2:20-21). Our anointing keeps us from surrendering that truth to false teaching that would diminish (1 John 2:23) either side of Jesus’ identity – Jesus as God with us and God like us. We remain in Jesus when we hold on to both of these incredible truths. As we remain in Jesus, the Spirit – “his anointing” – we have all that we need to know about Jesus as our Savior, LORD, and Messiah (1 John 2:24, 27). My Prayer… Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for sending Jesus to save me. May I never surrender my sense of wonder or my deep feelings of appreciation for all who Jesus was, is, and will be. Thank you for sending me your Spirit as your anointing to help me safeguard the truth about your Son and my Savior, in whose name I pray and give you thanks. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
27 Aug 2025
As we pray, may we be motivated by love, love for God, and for each other. Genuine love moves the heart of God. The greatest commandment is to love one another just as Christ loved us and gave His life for us. May the Lord our God move in our midst as we love Him and love one another. Ephesians 3:19-21.
Today’s Verse – Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. —Romans 8:26 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Isn’t it incredible! Even in those times when we can’t find the correct words and our hearts are heavy, God hears our prayers. It is not because we are articulate, wise, or faithful enough to pray as I should. No, it is because God has graciously placed his Spirit into our hearts to make known to him what our words cannot capture and our voices and minds cannot verbalize. God hears our groanings, our yearnings, our heartbreaks, and our heart-cries. He knows what we cannot think, but only feel. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, he answers those unutterable prayers with his presence, grace, and power. My Prayer… Father, we are comforted by the assurance that even when we don’t know what to say, you know what we feel yet cannot articulate. We trust you to answer our hearts’ longings as you see fit, for we believe that you know what we need far more than we know how to ask for it. In addition to all of this, we trust the Holy Spirit to present our requests to you in accordance to your will and our best interests, to your glory. In Jesus’ name, and with complete confidence in the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
26 Aug 2025
May the Holy Spirit intercede for us according to God’s will as we pray and may the Lord hear and act. May our petitions come from a genuine heart, and may He who knows our hearts and searches the mind of the Spirit answer our prayers. May He have mercy on us, and may His will be done in our circumstances. Romans 8:26-27.
25 Aug 2025
There is something we can do while on this side of eternity, namely, growing in our faith. This can be achieved through several things. The first one is prayer. It is important to schedule prayer time. As we grow in our walk with God, let us also realize that we can speak with Him at any time. The scheduled prayer time helps us develop the discipline of praying, an intimate relationship with God creates the awareness of His presence on a continuous basis. And all this is anchored in faith. Jude 1:20-21.
Today’s Verse – Proverbs 3:3-4
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. —Proverbs 3:3-4 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Character is measured by the love and faithfulness we genuinely display in our daily lives. These are not simple virtues that we can fake. Merciful love is shown when we have power over another but choose to treat them with kindness, forgiveness, and genuine concern. Faithfulness is being a person of truth – genuine and trustworthy in word and deed – regardless of what others do or circumstances present to us. These virtues need to be a part of our everyday lives and permeate our very identities. When they do, others will notice, we will have a good reputation, and God will notice and be pleased. My Prayer… Holy God – faithful and compassionate, full of mercy and steadfast love – I praise you for your example of strength and mercy, holiness and compassion, love and faithfulness. Carve this kind of character on my heart as I submit myself to your will, as I seek to honor Jesus, and as I open my life to your Spirit’s transformational power. In the name of Jesus my LORD, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Today’s Verse – John 8:31-32
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” —John 8:31-32 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… At least three times in the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us how we can identify a true disciple of the LORD (John 8:31-32, 13:35, 15:8). This verse is one of those essential verses that tell us who a disciple is. Truth is not just something we know, it is also something we must live. Jesus reminds us that we must not only know his teaching, but obey it, “hold to” it, and live it in our lives. Obedience is one of the proofs of our discipleship and our doorway to freedom and truth. Doing life Jesus’ way, holding to his teaching and obeying him, sets us free to live life, and life to the full (John 10:10)! My Prayer… Father, forgive us for taking obedience to Jesus’ will too lightly. Sometimes his way seems restrictive, challenging, and even impossible to us. However, dear Father, deep in our hearts, we genuinely believe that Jesus’ will is a blessing and not a hindrance – it sets us free rather than limits us, and something in our souls resonates with his truth. So please, dear Father, use me to help others find joy in obeying Jesus, too. It is in the Lord Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.