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Friday, October 21, 2022,

Ephesians 4:1-6
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 12:54-59
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FREE IN PRISON
“I plead with you, then as a prisoner for the Lord.” —Ephesians 4:1

How much do you love Jesus? How much suffering would you endure for His sake? Would you be willing to die for Him? Would you be a prisoner for the Lord?

God’s Word tells us to expect persecution (2 Tm 3:12). It’s not uncommon for Christians to be arrested. A good portion of the New Testament was written in prison. Many believers throughout the world are suffering imprisonment at this moment for the sake of the Gospel. The world may look down on prisoners, but Jesus says: I was “in prison and you came to visit Me” (Mt 25:36). It’s an honor to be in an earthly prison for the sake of Jesus’ Gospel.

However, never enter the prison of sin, with its cells of unforgiveness, resentment, and apathy. “When you are going with your opponent to appear before a magistrate, try to settle with him on the way lest he turn you over to the judge, and the judge deliver you up to the jailer, and the jailer throw you into prison” (Lk 12:58). Settle with God; be washed in the blood of Jesus; repent. Never let your spirit become a slave and prisoner of sin (Jn 8:34).

Enemies may imprison your body, but they can never imprison your spirit unless you let them. Be free in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Jesus, if You free us, we are truly free. Free us (Jn 8:36).

Promise: “Make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force.” —Eph 4:3

Praise: Unexpectedly, Patricia found her childhood, child-like faith as a prisoner.

(For a related teaching on The Truth Will Set You Free, view, download or order our booklet on our website.)

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Thursday, October 20, 2022, St. Paul of the Cross

Ephesians 3:14-21
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
Luke 12:49-53
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THE DESIRES OF THE HEART
“I have come to light a fire on the earth. How I wish the blaze were ignited!” —Luke 12:49

Jesus wants to light a fire on the earth. He wants to save and purify us by giving us a new nature (see Eph 4:24). He wants to be Lord of our lives, baptize us in the Spirit, and lead us to the Father. These are the desires of Jesus’ heart.

What are the desires of your heart? Do you want what Jesus wants? Even if you have Jesus’ desires and priorities, how much do you want His will to be done and His kingdom to come? Do you feel anguish until all are saved? (Lk 12:50) Is your heart moved with pity at the sight of humanity? (Mt 9:36) Will you do anything to win to Jesus as many as possible? (1 Cor 9:19) Do you have a daily tension, an anxiety for all the churches? (2 Cor 11:28) Is your heart broken for the same reason as was Jesus’ heart? Is your prayer the same as His? Do you want what He wants as much as He wants it?

If you receive the desires of your heart, this will be a curse rather than a blessing unless the desires of your heart are the desires of Jesus’ heart.

Prayer: Jesus, may I love You so much that my desires become like Yours.

Promise: “To Him Whose power now at work in us can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine — to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus.” —Eph 3:20-21

Praise: St. Paul of the Cross founded the “Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ.” They are commonly known as the Passionists.

(We offer a Married Couples Retreat, Nov. 11-12. Sharing your faith with your spouse is a great blessing to your family. Come away for a while and nourish your faith with other believers. Call 513-373-2397 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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