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.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
