
Daily Devotional: Mark 4:26-32

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“Paul began preaching in Damascus until he had to escape arrest by being lowered over the wall in a basket (Acts 9:20-25; 2 Cor. 11:32-33). Paul went to Arabia, then returned to Damascus for a time before he began his missionary travels (Gal 1:17). Damascus soon became a center for early Christianity. Today a chapel stands in the city, commemorating Paul’s conversion, and made out of the Roman gate believed to be the one Paul escaped through. Ephesus Greco-Roman city on the western coast of modern Turkey. It contained a busy artificial harbor during Paulβs time and sat at the intersection of several major roads, making it a strategic place for his missionary travels in Asia. Ephesus was at its height in the first century A.D., hosting a population as much as 500,000 people. Paul sailed there with Priscilla and Aquila on his second missionary trip after meeting them in Corinth and preached at the local synagogue, promising to soon return (Acts 18:18-21). The early Christian evangelist Apollos arrived in Ephesus soon afterwards and was discipled by Priscilla and Aquila, who had stayed in the city (Acts 18:24-26). Paul came back to Ephesus during his third missionary trip and stayed for several years, during which he wrote several of his New Testament letters (Acts 19:1,10; 1 Cor. 16:8). He left when a large riot formed at the local theater to protest him for threatening local businesses that supported the world-famous temple of the goddess Artemis at Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41). Near the end of his life, Paul wrote a letter to Timothy instructing him to remain in the city (1 Tim. 1:3). Though the New Testament book of Ephesians bears the cityβs name, a few important early manuscripts do not contain an address to Ephesus, casting doubt on whether the letter was written strictly to Christians there. It may be that the letter was intended for several churches in the region, of which Ephesus was the most important. The church in Ephesus is also one of seven who received letters in the book of Revelation, in which they are praised for being discerning, working for the name of Christ, and standing against the heretical Nicolaitans. But they are reprimanded for abandoning their first love for Christ (Rev. 2:1). It is possible that in their works and zeal for doctrine they had reduced Christianity to mere intellectual pursuit. Jericho (Ericha) Wealthy Canaanite city also known as βthe city of palm treesβ (2 Chron. 28:15). Jericho sat by the west bank of the Jordan River on open plains near the mountainous terrain of the Judean Wilderness and along the major route through the Jordan River Valley (connecting Galilee and Judea). Scripture first mentions it when the Israeliteβs set up camp across from the city before entering Canaan on the east side of the Jordan (Num. 22:1). Moses climbed a mountain across from Jericho to see Canaan before his death (Deut. 34:1). Several Jewish spies sent to scout out the land were housed in the city by a local prostitute named Rahab, who is likely the mother of Boaz, the future kinsman redeemer husband of Ruth mentioned in Matthewβs genealogy of Jesus (Josh. 2:1; Matt. 1:5). After following Godβs instructions to march around the perimeter of the city seven consecutive days, the city walls crumbled (Josh. 6:15). The Israelite army attacked and plundered the city, sparing the lives of Rahab and her family as promised (Josh. 6:24-5). Both incidents are mentioned in the New Testament letter to the Hebrews as hallmarks of faith (Heb. 11:30-31). Joshua pronounced a curse on anyone who would attempt to rebuild Jerichoβs walls (Josh. 6:26) which was later fulfilled by the attempts of a man named Hiel during King Ahabβs reign (1 Kings 16:34). Israelβs capture of Jericho set a precedence for their victory over other Canaanite peoples (Josh. 8:2; 10:28,30). The city was allotted to the tribe of Benjamin (Josh. 18:21).” Sent from Bible Study
“One of five Philistine strongholds located on the Mediterranean coast of Judahβs territory (Josh. 13:3; 15:47). Ashdod housed a temple to the Philistine god Dagon, where the Philistines took the captured Ark of the Covenant during Samuelβs priesthood, though the subsequent damage the ark caused to Dagonβs idol ensured that it did not remain there long (1 Sam. 5:1-8). The city is next mentioned during the reign of Judahβs King Uzziah, who campaigned against the Philistines and breached Ashdodβs walls (2 Chron. 26:6). Amos prophesized against Ashdod (Amos 1:8), and it was later attacked and captured by the Assyrians (Isa. 20:1). The prophets Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and Zechariah alike also had foreboding words for Ashdod (Jer. 25:20, Zeph. 2:4, Zech. 9:6). After the Jewish return from exile in Babylon, the people of Ashdod took part in a plot to undermine the Jewsβ temple rebuilding efforts (Neh. 4:7-8) and some of Ashdodβs women wedded Jews who failed to uphold Jewish-only marriage standards (Neh. 13:23-4). In the New Testament Ashdod is mentioned once by the name Azotus when Philip appeared there after his conversation with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:40). Babylon Prehistoric Mesopotamian city straddling the Euphrates River. It served as the capital of the ancient Babylonian kingdom and is considered one of the wonders of the ancient world (Dan. 4:30). Genesis records that it originally served as a center for the kingdom of Nimrod, a descendant of Noahβs second son Ham (Gen. 10:10). It may also be the site of the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:2). Babylon is not mentioned again until the Assyrians exiled the Israelites in the 8th century BC and relocated some of Babylonβs citizens to repopulate Israel (2 Kings 17:24). King Hezekiah of the surviving tribe of Judah was chastised by Isaiah for showing off all his wealth to Babylonβs King Marduk-Baladan (2 Kings 20:13, called Merodach-Baladan and Berodach-Baladan in the Bible). As a consequence, Isaiah predicted that Hezekiahβs descendants would be exiled to Babylon (2 Kings 20:17-18; Isa. 39:6), though he also foretold Babylonβs own ruin (Isa. 21:9). Isaiahβs successors Jeremiah and Habakkuk made similar predictions of Judahβs downfall to the Babylonians (Jer. 20:4; Hab. 1:6), but Jeremiah assured that God would bring them back to their homeland (Jer. 29:10). Micah made parallel predictions of the Babylonian exile and of Godβs rescue (Mic. 4:10). Just as was predicted, in the 6th century BC King Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem, deporting its inhabitants to Babylon (2 Kings 24:14) and destroying its temple (2 Kings 25:9). The writings of Ezekiel, Daniel, and Psalm 137 take place during the Israeliteβs stay in Babylon. After the Persians conquered the Babylonians in the 6th century BC, King Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to their homeland, making true the words of previous prophets (Ezra 1:1). In the New Testament, the Jewish exile to Babylon is used by Matthew to segment Jesusβ genealogy (Matt. 1:12, 17). Both Peter and John likely use the city as a metaphor for the Roman Empire in their writings to signify that though there are forces which oppose Godβs chosen people, these forces ultimately do not last (1 Pet. 5:13; Rev. 18:2). Damascus City located north of Israel in modern Syria. In the Old Testament Damascus served as the capital city of the Aramean people, a rival of the Israelites. King David subdued the city during his reign(2 Sam. 8:5-6), but its King Rezon caused a headache for Solomon (1 Kings 11:25). King Jeroboam recaptured Damascus (2 Kings 14:28) but it was later taken by Assyria (2 Kings 16:9). While visiting the Assyrian King in Damascus, King Ahaz was enticed by an altar he saw and made sketches to construct a replacement for the temple in Jerusalem (2 Kings 16:10-12). Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, and Zechariah each prophesized against the city (Isa. 17:1; Jer. 49:23-27; Amos 1:3-5; Zech. 9:1). By New Testament times, Damascus was one of the cities of the “Decapolis” – a loose league of “Greek” cities in Galilee and southwestern Syria. It prospered under Greek, then Roman rule. While on his way to Damascus to deliver letters to synagogues with permission to arrest Christians, Paul encountered the risen Christ (Acts 9:1-9). He continued on to Damascus where he met with Ananias and other disciples (Acts 9:10-19). At around the same time, Damascus was given to the Nabateans under King Aretas IV (2 Cor 11:32). Paul began preaching in Damascus” Sent from Bible Study
“One of five Philistine strongholds located on the Mediterranean coast of Judahβs territory (Josh. 13:3; 15:47). Ashdod housed a temple to the Philistine god Dagon, where the Philistines took the captured Ark of the Covenant during Samuelβs priesthood, though the subsequent damage the ark caused to Dagonβs idol ensured that it did not remain there long (1 Sam. 5:1-8). The city is next mentioned during the reign of Judahβs King Uzziah, who campaigned against the Philistines and breached Ashdodβs walls (2 Chron. 26:6). Amos prophesized against Ashdod (Amos 1:8), and it was later attacked and captured by the Assyrians (Isa. 20:1). The prophets Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and Zechariah alike also had foreboding words for Ashdod (Jer. 25:20, Zeph. 2:4, Zech. 9:6). After the Jewish return from exile in Babylon, the people of Ashdod took part in a plot to undermine the Jewsβ temple rebuilding efforts (Neh. 4:7-8) and some of Ashdodβs women” Sent from Bible Study
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.8.26.KJV
Sometimes when we try to pray words just will not come. I am very glad that God knows our hearts and what we want to say when we can’t. Hod bless, stay safe, and have a wonderful day. Β©2022

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I came across this on Instagram. I thought it would be good to share. Until tomorrow, God bless.

Delight thyself also in the LORD; And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.37.4.KJV

What does the Bible say about love? Here are the five, most-used Greek and Hebrew words for love and LOTS of Bible verses about love to read! βMaster, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.β – MATTHEW 22:36-40 KJV ORIGINAL LANGUAGE WORDS FOR LOVE: WHAT IS LOVE? We are called to love God and love others, but how do we understand what love really is? Studies of 5 Hebrew and Greek words for love help us understand what loving someone really means. Want to read the verse references in context or change the translation? Tap and youβll be taken to our online Bible where you can read these Bible verses about love. 1. AHAB β HEBREW WORD FOR LOVE Hebrew word for love. Describes a variety of intensely close emotional bonds. So Abraham loved his son Isaac (Gen. 22:2), Isaac loved his son Esau (Gen. 25:28), and βIsrael loved Joseph more than all his childrenβ (Gen. 37:3). In a more romantic manner, Isaac loved his wife Rebekah (Gen. 24:67), and Jacob loved Rachel (Gen. 29:18), but Delilah manipulated Samson by challenging his love for her (Judg. 14:16). We are all called to love the Lord, by expressing obedience to His commandments (Deut. 6:5), and to βlove thy neighbour as thyselfβ (Lev. 19:18). Moreover, βhe that getteth wisdom loveth his own soulβ (Prov. 19:8). HEBREW WORD FOR LOVE: OTHER USES OF AHAB Genesis 24:67: βAnd Isaac brought her into his mother Sarahβs tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his motherβs death.β Exodus 20:6: βAnd shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.β Deuteronomy 4:37: βAnd because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt.β Job 19:19: βAll my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me.β Psalms 4:2: βO ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.β Proverbs 1:22: βHow long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?β Ecclesiastes 3:8: βA time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.β Song of Songs 1:3: βBecause of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.β Micah 3:2: βWho hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones.β Zechariah 8:17: βAnd let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord.β Malachi 1:2: βI have loved you, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacobβs brother? Saith the Lord: yet I loved Jacob.β 2. AGAPAO β GREEK WORD FOR LOVE Godβs love is described as the Greek word agapao, which means unconditional love, preferential love that is chosen and acted out by the will. It is not love based on the goodness of the beloved, or upon natural affinity or emotion. Rather this is benevolent love that always seeks the good of the beloved. This type of love is exclusive to the Christian community because it flows directly from Godβs love: βBeloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is loveβ (1 John 4:7,8). GREEK WORD FOR LOVE: OTHER USES OF AGAPAO Matthew 5:43: βYe have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.β Luke 6:27: βBut I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.β John 3:16: βFor God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.β Romans 13:8: βOwe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.β 1 Corinthians 2:9: βBut as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.β Ephesians 2:4: βBut God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.β 2 Thessalonians 2:16: βNow our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.β James 1:12: βBlessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.β 1 Peter 1:8: βWhom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.β 1 John 3:10: βIn this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.β 3 John 1:1: βThe elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.β 3. AGAPE β GREEK WORD FOR LOVE Although common in both the Septuagint and the New Testament, the word rarely occurs in existing secular Greek manuscripts of the period. Like its synonym philia, it designates love between persons (John 13:35), or people for God (1 John 2:15), of God for humanity (Rom. 5:8), and of God for Christ (John 17:26). Whereas phila emphasizes the idea of love arising from personal relationships, agape is founded upon deep appreciation and high regard. It is perhaps for this reason that agape is the love which God commands. GREEK WORD FOR LOVE: OTHER USES OF AGAPE Matthew 24:12: βAnd because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.β Luke 11:42: βBut woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.β John 5:42: βBut I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.β Romans 8:35: βWho shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?β 2 Corinthians 6:6: βBy pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned.β Ephesians 2:4: βBut God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.β Philippians 1:16: βThe one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds.β 1 Thessalonians 5:8: βBut let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.β 1 Timothy 1:5: βNow the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.β Titus 2:2: βThat the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.β 3 John 1:6: βWhich have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well.β Revelation 3:4: βThou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.β 4. PHILEO β GREEK WORD FOR LOVE One of four greek words for love, this one signifies friendship, fondness, affection, delight, and personal attachment. This word is on a feeling β a heart of love β whereas agape is a matter of benevolence, duty, and commitment. We are commanded to have agape love (Matt. 5:44) but not phileo love because feelings cannot be commanded. Phileo is also the word for βkiss.β Jesus asked peter if he had unconditional, sacrificial agape love, but Peter responded that he had phileo, or brotherly love. Peterβs love deepened, and he wrote of agape love in his later books. GREEK WORD FOR LOVE: OTHER USES OF PHILEO Matthew 6:5: βAnd when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.β Luke 20:46: βBeware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts.β John 5:20: βFor the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.β 1 Corinthians 16:22: βIf any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.β Titus 3:15: βAll that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.β Revelation 3:19: βAs many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.β 5. PHILADELPHIA β GREEK WORD FOR LOVE With the roots words phileo, βto love,β and adelphos βbrother,β this word signifies loving someone like a brother or sister. We might think of it as fraternal affection. This is not the love God has for us, but rather love between brothers and sisters in Christ. It implies that a familial bond between people who would not otherwise share affection is possible through Christ. GREEK WORD FOR LOVE: OTHER USES OF PHILADELPHIA Romans 12:10: βBe kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.β 1 Thessalonians 4:9: βBut as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.β Hebrews 13:1: βLet brotherly love continue.β 1 Peter 1:22: βSeeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.β 2 Peter 1:7: βAnd to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.β Want More Like This? Did you enjoy the content above? Get more like it with the titles below: NKJV Word Study Bible with Strongβs KJV Word Study Bible with Strongβs

I just wanted to share this just incase you missed it. I thought it was good to share this. I cannot keep good information to myself.

I finished the Responding to the Call Bible reading plan from @YouVersion! Check it out here: http://bible.com/r/86g
I have enjoyed this reading plan. I enjoyed sharing it with you all as well. I hope you will watch the videos pertaining to the lessons. God is so good. He has His own way of speaking to us through His Word through others who are called by His name. If you haven’t talked to Jesus today, He is ready and waiting to hear from you. He is ready to also give you a new life in Him. Have a blessed day, and as always, thank you for joining me on my journey with Food for the Soul. Stay blessed. Β©2022

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Mark 16:9β-β¬20 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mrk.16.9-20.KJV

Day Five Devotional: You| The Great Commission Scripture Reading: Mark 16:9-20


I just finished day 4 of the @YouVersion plan ‘Responding to the Call’. Check it out here: http://bible.com/r/86g
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, there came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. Matthew 26:6β-β¬13 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.26.6-13.KJV


Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38β-β¬42 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.10.38-42.KJV
Day Four Devotional: Mary| Extravagant Devotion


I just finished day 3 of the @YouVersion plan ‘Responding to the Call’. Check it out here: http://bible.com/r/86g
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:1β-β¬14 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/php.3.1-14.KJV

Day Three Devotional: Paul | Keeping Your Eyes On the Prize
