Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 7, 2023
Acts of the Apostles 16:25-40
25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 All at once there was such a violent earthquake that it shook the prison’s foundations. The doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 When the jailer awoke and saw the open doors of the prison, he thought the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted loudly, “Don’t harm yourself! We’re all here!” 29 The jailer called for some lights, rushed in, and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He led them outside and asked, “Honorable masters, what must I do to be rescued?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your entire household.” 32 They spoke the Lord’s word to him and everyone else in his house. 33 Right then, in the middle of the night, the jailer welcomed them and washed their wounds. He and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his home and gave them a meal. He was overjoyed because he and everyone in his household had come to believe in God. 35 The next morning the legal authorities sent the police to the jailer with the order “Release those people.” 36 So the jailer reported this to Paul, informing him, “The authorities sent word that you both are to be released. You can leave now. Go in peace.” 37 Paul told the police, “Even though we are Roman citizens, they beat us publicly without first finding us guilty of a crime, and they threw us into prison. And now they want to send us away secretly? No way! They themselves will have to come and escort us out.” 38 The police reported this to the legal authorities, who were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. 39 They came and consoled Paul and Silas, escorting them out of prison and begging them to leave the city. 40 Paul and Silas left the prison and made their way to Lydia’s house where they encouraged the brothers and sisters. Then they left Philippi.
Good Morning. We serve a mighty God!
Paul and Silas were in a dark, dank jail cell and could have chosen to have a pity party. You know the kind I mean. “Oh, woe is me! We can’t survive this. It smells, and we’re hungry.” Instead, they chose to sing hymns and pray to God. I imagine the other prisoners thought this was odd, but they had nothing else to do, so they listened.
What came next was not a coincidence, but God protecting his servants. When the jail was torn apart, Paul and Silas could have lashed out at the jailer and run away, but instead, they went to the jailer's home to take care of his needs and share God’s word with all who were present.
It is easy to focus on our suffering and only see the darkness. When we choose to focus on what is good despite our troubles, we will find the light to lead us from our darkness. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Caring God, We love you! In times of trouble, we become consumed by the darkness. Help us focus on the light of Christ. Thank you. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Rejoice, Pray, and Give Thanks
Sing God’s praises all the day long! Pastor Liz
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