“Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. 19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. 21 But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and travelled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia strengthening all the disciples.” Acts 18:18-23 NLT
“While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul travelled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers. 2 “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked. And they replied, “The baptism of John.” 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.” 5 As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.” Acts 19: 1-6 NLT
Father God,
The travelogue continues… Corinth then Cenchreae for a shaved head on the way to Syria, dropping Priscilla and Aquila. at Ephesus. Paul commences his third missionary journey. Caesarea, Jerusalem and then Antioch. Then place to place through the region of Galatia and Phrygia. Finally Ephesus on the coast where he met a small group of believers. 12 men! They had repented (John’s baptism) and knew forgiveness but had been left without power to know and live in Jesus by His Spirit. A long way round but God knew 12 men in need of life.
We do sometimes confuse new believers, by talking about Jesus, the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Jesus. Trying to explain that they are all equal and unified in the Trinity. As when people pray and start of talking to You God and then change to Jesus half way though. We know that You are one, and whoever we address in the Trinity, You are all present and hear in unity. But repenting without Your presence is like being washed and put back in the mud. We need Your constant indwelling to live Your life and be confident in our faith. These 12 men wanted to live for You but did not have a personal relationship with You. Paul introduced them to You.
Whether we ask Jesus into our heart, or someone lays hands and prays for us, we do not receive a bit of You or part of You. You give us Your all. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are filled with awe and thanksgiving God, You went to great lengths to find us and give us life. You continue to go to great lengths to bless us. Help us to be open to an intimate relationship with You. We do not deserve it but accept with eternal gratitude. Help us to go to great lengths to find those open to You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 29th November 2025
Staying with a traditional hymn today. I had not thought of this as a Christmas carol because the chorus was often sung at the Salvation Army prayerfully when people were being led to Jesus at the Mercy seat (Altar). Its a simple prayer. Emily, the writer, was also looking forward to meeting Jesus when His voice calls her home.
Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
Heaven’s arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest
In the shade of the forest tree;
But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God,
In the deserts of Galilee.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
Thou camest, O Lord, with the living word
That should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
When the heavens shall ring, and the angels sing,
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying “Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for thee.”
My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me.
Lyrics: Emily Elizabeth Steele Elliott