Scripture reading for May 7: Acts 16:25-31 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Paul and Silas were missionaries who had delivered a slave girl from demonic spirits. This caused an uproar and business leaders dragged them before the local rulers and their judges. They were beaten and accused of teaching strange customs and breaking Roman law. These judges had them put in leg irons and hand restraints in the dungeon of the local prison and instructed the jailer to keep them.
But Paul and Silas rejoiced in the Lord Jesus. They sang hymns of praise to God. God heard and sent a strong earthquake that opened the prison doors and released all bonds from every prisoner! The jailer knew if they escaped, he would pay with his life so he prepared to take his own life. Paul and Silas cried out to him, encouraging him that they were all there. The jailer was surprised and thankful. He brought them out and asked them how he, too, could be saved.
For those working in jails, this passage demonstrates why we must acknowledge God in all our ways and treat each prisoner with respect. God shook his jail, but also his own soul with a realization that he needed what Paul and Silas had. He had heard the worship and now wanted to worship God too. These prisoners had the answer: “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, and your household.” For those in jail, as believers, God has a mission field there. He will use you, even as a prisoner, if you keep a heart faithful and full of worship.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this amazing story of a jailer and his family who in doing his job found a brand new life in Jesus. Amen.
Scripture reading for February 14th: Acts 16, Psalm 32, Proverbs 1
Acts 16:25-31 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. They he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved; you and your household.”
For casting out an evil spirit, Paul and Silas have been beaten, put in stocks, and locked securely in the lowest part of a Roman prison in Philippi. At midnight, they were singing hymns and worshiping God, heard by all the prisoners and probably by the jailer. Suddenly, an earthquake rocked the jail, opening the doors and shaking the chains off all prisoners. The jailer is so shaken at the prospect of escaped prisoners, he was about to take his life. Paul and Silas called out to him to hold up, assuring him they were all there. This jailer earnestly inquired of these men about how to be saved! He was shaken up to the point of repentance. He and his whole household found the Lord and rejoiced in their new lives!
Psalm 32:10-11 “Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your steadfast love surrounding Your sent ones and to those You send them! Help me to stay in an attitude of worship in every situation that I might be ready to share the Gospel and see lost people and their whole households saved! Thank You in advance for the joy and rejoicing that come to lost people, saints and in heaven itself when repentance brings new life!
Proverbs 1:20, 23 “Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: . . .”If you turn at My reproof, behold, I will pour out My Spirit to you; I will make My Words known to you.””