A Devotional Study of the Living Word of God

Psalm 119:59 If I think about my ways the path ahead is like a trench where every move forward is met with strong opposition, but the moment I turn to the LORD, I find that supernatural highway where the traffic of life is peaceful, pleasant and promising!

Good Morning

In 1947 Dr. Carle Zimmerman wrote a text called, family and Civilization. He identified eleven symptoms of national decay in his study of the Greek and Roman civilizations. We need to take a look at how many of these eleven symptoms characterized our society this very American DAY! (1) No fault divorce.; (2) “Birth Dearth”; increased disrespect for parenthood and parents. (3) Meaningless marriage rites/ceremonies. (4) Defamation of past national heroes. (5) Acceptance of alternative marriage forms. (6) Widespread attitudes of feminism, narcissism and hedonism. (7) Propagation of anti-family sentiment. (8) Acceptance of most forms of adultery. (9) Rebellious children. (10) Increased juvenile delinquency. (11) Common acceptance of all forms of sexual perversion. List like this are hard to read, I think that many of us would rather find fault with those who project such a blight on the American way, and to tell the truth, “I would rather be found in error of my convictions and fears.” But I believe that Dr. Zimmerman's list is a bit mild compared to what I see going on daily. Also, I believe that I am beginning to understand how many of these Old Testament prophets felt. Daily exhorting the nation Israel to repent, daily weeping over the conditions of the land. It is time to get off the tracks, the train is about to run us over.

Acts 16

Acts 16:29 In this moment of time the jailer is coming to grips with biblical grace and faith. Having just witnessed the earth moving under his feet and the possible escape of all his prisoners. He is now going to see that Paul, Silas and all the prisoners have not escaped. The emotion reaction within his body is so severe that he trembles and collapses at the feet of the apostle and Silas.

Acts 16:30-32 “What must I do to be saved?” I love that question because God loves to hear that question from all peoples. The jailer a gentile, the prisoners, Jews and the answer, “believe on the LORD Jesus Christ and you shall be saved, you and your household” People hunger and thirst for righteousness. Unrighteousness is plagued with emotional instability and the jailers household was characterized by this. With confession and repentance this family found the peace of God and received peace with God by believing in the gospel of peace. Paul and Silas had on shoes of peace. (Ephesians 6:15). When God gives us this opportunity, He also gives this pair of shoes to wear, we are equipped.

Acts 16:33-34 Physical healing for Paul and Silas, I wonder how many of us today would be willing to suffer under similar conditions in order to see some stranger and his family come to faith in Jesus Christ. Most of us may say that if they knew the outcome, that it would be worth it! This comment is a cop-out, since God will not allow you to go into any calling of His without us knowing the results first. (Daniel 3:13-18).

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/