Devotion
No prison can hold the word of God
David Jacobs
I used to tutor at a prison in my home city, teaching inmates general education courses in math, history, English, and computers. Contrary to what I thought, most of the inmates were very pleasant, but they had obviously made a mistake at some point in their lives. Some inmates, however, were less pleasant, placing the harsh realities of prison life in view. I was shocked at how thirsty the inmates in the program were for education. They became even more interested and yearned for more lessons when they found out that I was a theology student. God's word will not be denied. It will find its way everywhere.
Paul and Silas were no strangers to prison, unfortunately for them. They had been preaching about the life of Jesus when they met a soothsayer, possessed by a spirit but very profitable for her masters. Paul summoned the spirit out of her, costing her masters money, so they went to the magistrates asking for Paul and Silas to be jailed.
Now in jail after receiving many lashings, Paul and Silas pray in their cell. There was a great earthquake, opening the jail cells. When the guard sees the open cells, he takes his sword to commit suicide. Luckily for him, Paul stops him, assuring him that the prisoners are still in their cells. His act of kindness and overall demeanor must have made an impact on the jail guard, for he lets them go and asks Paul and Silas how to be saved. Soon after, he is baptized and they celebrate the life of Christ, rejoicing in his name.
Prayer
There are no walls, bars, or mountains that can stop the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
