Passage of the Day:
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” – Acts 16:22-28
Reflection:
During his trip to Philippi, the apostle Paul encountered a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. While Paul attempted to share the good news about Jesus to citizens of Philippi, this woman kept interrupting Paul. After displaying patience initially, Paul cast out this demonic spirit within this woman. When the owners of this slave realized that the great deal of money earned by fortune-telling was now gone, Paul was arrested. This is the context of how Paul and Silas ended up in prison. Despite freeing an enslaved woman, Paul and Silas were punished. Yet, each maintained a spirit of fortitude, making the best of their unfortunate situation.
Prayerful Action:
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil, Ephesians 5:15-16.
Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:
Instead of complaining about being unjustly placed in prison, Paul and Silas started a worship service in their own cell. According to Luke who was outside at the time, this singing and praising of God coincided with a major earthquake. Under Roman law, if any of the prisoners at this prison escaped, the guard would have been executed. Rather than be self-absorbed, Paul immediately turned his attention to the jailor who was about to commit suicide. This divine intervention opens the door for Paul and Silas to lead the jailor and his entire household to faith in Christ in Acts 16:34. This is what can happen when you stay positive despite your circumstances.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
The words of James 1:2-4 highlights the lyrics of Praise You in This Storm. May this song move you to embrace the trials that confront you so that you’ll become more mature in your faith. Then, you’ll be able to stay positive despite the circumstances facing you.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 