A Devotional Study of the Living Word of God

Psalm 119:56 Forever does not have a timepiece to watch and everything that God has to offer to the one who serves, has hope, is afflicted or ridiculed for His Name Sake has a possession and position of purpose in Eternity. John 14:1-6

Good Morning

Some years ago we went to Washington State for a temporary teaching assignment while I was working for Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut. As we approached the Seattle/Tacoma Airport we were able to see Mount Rainer, a very awesome sight poking into the airspace. Years before as an unbeliever, my brother-in-law and I had tried to climb this mountain (without gear, but with a beer or two) to impress our families who were on a road a few hundred feet above watching. We were almost there, as it was not necessary to talk loudly to our children, maybe twenty or thirty feet to go for safety. Then, the ground fell out from under us, we were in a landslide of some very large rocks. We began to run, we were running hard and losing ground, my lungs cried for more air and I was exhausted. My brother-in-law said, “Jess, I need to lay down, I can't run anymore.” With that he was gone, I kept running, but soon I went down too. Rocks were flying everywhere. I went past a small tree, attached to the tree was my brother-in-law, he grabbed for me and I grabbed his legs and held on. It seemed forever, but finally the rocks stopped moving and things became very still. Looking back on this scares me even to this day. Both of us suffered bloody ankles but that was all. One rock of ten pounds could have killed us. Many larger ones bounced or rolled right by within inches. As an unsaved person that is as close to the sentence of Old Testament judgment as you could get. Stoning! People have asked me to climb Mount Washington in New Hampshire. On the surface of my brain, I would like to do that, but deeper in the heart where emotions reside, it will never happen!

Acts 16

Acts 16:19 The thought of losing a way of life, a job or income will stir up trouble under any circumstance. Paul and Silas were called by the Holy Spirit to go, and since Philippi is part of the Macedonian Call, all of the trouble caused here will workout for the furthering of the gospel. These events in the lives of these men are exciting. There may be a day in your future when God will decide to send you. If he does, will you be ready as Paul and Silas were? (Acts 9:15-16).

Acts 16:20-21 Our LORD does not send us into battle without being prepared. The case against Paul and Silas was serious. Teaching unlawful customs, causing trouble and disturbing their ability to earn money. They were not given opportunity to defend their actions, things were becoming dangerous for them and the law in Philippi was on the side of town people.

Acts 16:22-24 Since many of the town's people were in an uproar, it was not hard for the authorities to get involved with some emotional reaction like that of the mob. They had Paul and Silas beaten and thrown into the local prison. The jailer, and interesting man who we will get to know more about tomorrow.

Last night the CCF men's ministry team hosted Dave Jauss, the bench coach for the Baltimore Orioles. We had a great time, but the highlight of the event was his testimony of accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior. You can read about his testimony at: www.TheGoal.com

Now if you do not have your bible with you, the following is a link you can go to and find the verses of scripture I have referenced herein. Bible Gateway at: www.biblegateway.com/