Falsely imprisoned, Paul and Silas were dragged and beaten by the crowd, beaten with rods, and then severely flogged — yes beaten three times (Acts 16:19-23). After this abuse, they were placed in prison, chained, and locked in stocks. Under such horrible circumstances, they managed to praise God in hymns and pray to their Father in Heaven. Under this kind of pressure, their faith caught the attention of the other hardened prisoners, who listened to them and were moved by their faith and praise. We must be reminded that over the years of Christian witness, some of the most effective times of evangelism happened because Christians, disciples of Jesus, remained faithful and joyous despite persecution and harassment. Nothing should limit our prayer and praise. God will use our worship under persecution to reach the hearts of those in the most difficult of places!
My Prayer...
Holy Father, in times of adverse reactions against me because of my faith, I pray that you will make me a loving, respectable, and forceful witness for Jesus. I ask this not so that I can boast, but so that others can more fully know your grace and come to Jesus to be saved. In the name of my Savior, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, May 24, 2001
"There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this...."
"Dear Father, all-sufficient God, Let me be a letter from Christ written to people who need to hear the Good News, written not on paper with ink but....."
"In looking back upon the character of our prayers, if we do it honestly, we shall be filled with wonder that God has ever answered them. There may be...."
"Dear Beloved,
As Barnabas and Paul fought for the truth of the gospel against those seeking to corrupt it with doing works based on law, one message...."
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About This Devotional
Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
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