Keep Praying 11.13.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing your studies on the book of Acts, please read Chapters 11-13 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online.
If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011-13&version=9

Today we are reading about Peter's report to the Jerusalem church; the death of James; Peter's imprisonment and deliverance; the death of Herod; and Paul's first missionary journey. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God answers prayer and no matter how long it takes we must not cease from it.

The Jerusalem church met early opposition by the Jewish religious leaders, but for the first time we read about the persecution James (the brother of John and son of Zebedee) faced from the ruling civil authorities in Judea. Herod the king, (the grandson of Herod, the Roman appointed king of Judea when Jesus was born) catered to the opinon of the public. The popular response at James execution led Herod to seize Peter for execution also. "Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)" (Acts 12:1-3).

Sixteen guards had to answer with their lives for the safekeeping of this prisoner. No mob could force open the prison's massive gates. To judge by all outward appearance, Peter's fate was sealed. His friends had no money to offer for a ransom. No attorneys were hired and no plea bargain with Herod. All they could do was pray, so they prayed. "And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him." (12:4-5).

Here we see the power of prayer, in fact as the church was praying Peter came knocking at the gate. "And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying." (12:7-12).

Herod and Peter stand as examples of two distict types of people, the worldly people who are considered as rich, strong, and powerful, and the Christian people who are considered poor, weak, and a prisoner. We often judge by mere human circumstances, if one has social position, wealth, and great ability, we think he is equipped for success, but when one is the opposite we think he is incapable of seeing that success. We must realize that with God, nothing is impossible, but without Him, our brightest prospects are only delusive dreams.

Always remember, when God moves in behalf of His children, no obstacle is too great for Him. How easy it is for God to do what is impossible for man.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We praise You and give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy and most especially the freedom to worship You. We know that there are many regions in our world where Christians are persecuted and suffer martyrdom at the hands of those who are enemies of the cross. We lift them up to You in prayer and ask that You will give them strength to stand up for You in the face of evil surroundings and conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. May they never return evil for evil, but rather good for evil. Sustain those who have endured the painful loss of loved ones as well as those whose family members are being held captive and are presently enduring persecution. May You be glorified in the midst of these horribly adverse circumstances and may souls be saved for the kingdom. In Jesus name........Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day!
God Bless You,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net