Day 16: Acts Ch.16. Today we meet a young man named Timothy as he joins Paul and Silas on their mission. Timothy is the first second-generation Christian mentioned in the New Testament. Pray for the young Christians in your life and for their consistent witness for Christ. Pray that they will be “Mission-Minded” and will fulfill the plan God has for their lives.
JESUS today YOU will SAVE me.
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 29
Acts 16
1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.
37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
16. And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17. The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
This reminded me of what Bro. Mahaney preached last night –
Paul was frustrated with the girl that followed them around but he didn’t do anything about it for several days. He spent a few more nights ‘with the frogs’ when he could have cast out the spirit on the first day.
Let’s not allow things that hinder us to continue when we have the power to cast them out of our lives! 🐸
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
It starts with believing,
You gotta believe before you can receive. Today I pray we rebuke unbelief from our lives and every life we go to impact today. God could use your testimony to lift someone else’s faith. Just be a willing vessel
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
All it takes is one encounter to teach an entire family. Be sensitive to the spirit and let God lead you to hungry souls today.
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
What seem to be persecution for all ended up being salvation for a guard. Because Paul and Silas had been beaten and thrown in prison, it placed them in the opportune place for when they rejoiced and shook the ground that it brought salvation to a guard and his family’s house. Everything that happens to us can be just a placement for where God wants us to be to be a witness to someone else. Whether it’s good or bad if we can just find a place to rejoice in every situation God can open up doors that no man can shut and reach people that have otherwise could not have been reached.
Acts 16: 25 -26-27 ( Philippian jailer converted)
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God, and the prisoners heard them.
(26) And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
(27) And the keeper of the prison, awaking out of his sleep and seeing the prison doors prison doors open, drew out his sword and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
All of because of Paul and Silas praying and singing praises unto God the jailor and his family were saved.
When the praises go up blessings come down!
Wow a great shakening , chains are falling off,
Of 40 days of 🔥.
Prayer
Praise
Powerful
Promises
Hungry soul reivel happing right now!
Haulula Praise God and all his good works.
Thank you Jesus Christ for today- how can we be an example of Christ .. we must apply what he wants us to do in Jesus name
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.
Acts 16:31-32
Acts 16:25-26 & 30-34 (NLT)
25) Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.
26) Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off.
30) Then he brought them out and asked, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31) They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.
32) And “They Shared The Word Of The Lord” with him and with all who lived in his household.
33) Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately Baptized.
34) He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household Rejoiced because they all Believed In God.
Paul and Silas were “physically” loosed from the chains that had them bound,
BUT More Importantly,
Paul and Silas “Shared The Word Of The Lord” with the jailer and his household, and they were all “spiritually” loosed from the chains of sin that had them bound. They were Baptized and Rejoiced because they all Believed In God.
“Share The Word Of The Lord” with someone today, and Pray that they will be “spiritually” loosed from their chains of sin and be Baptized in JESUS Name and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
Even the spirits of Hell know the very name
Of Jesus. When we are full of the Holy Ghost and we are doing the will of God, even the devils and demons in Hell will know the power and anointing that you are working under. That is the results of living and giving Jesus. We have to be bold enough and strong enough to cause the kingdom of Hell to shake when we speak the name of Jesus. We have the greatest weapon to battle the principalities, the powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against wickedness in high places.
We have the greatest opportunity to to reap a great harvest but we can not fear the unknown because Jesus has not given us a spirit of fear. We have to push forward to the reward of saving souls, seeing them filled with the Holy Ghost and baptized in the name of Jesus.
40 days of FIRE2!
Verses 6-10 MSG “They went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route. So they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn’t let them go there either. Proceeding on through Mysia, they went down to the seaport Troas. That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans.” These verses reminded me of something I heard on the radio the other day that said “Don’t worry about people God has removed from your life. He heard conversations you didn’t. Saw things you couldn’t and made moves you wouldn’t.” Same concept here, if God takes you a different route, it’s for a reason as God sees the big picture that we can’t; so trust Him!
6-8 They went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route. So they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn’t let them go there either. Proceeding on through Mysia, they went down to the seaport Troas.
9-10 That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans.
11-12 Putting out from the harbor at Troas, we made a straight run for Samothrace. The next day we tied up at New City and walked from there to Philippi, the main city in that part of Macedonia and, even more importantly, a Roman colony. We lingered there several days.
13-14 On the Sabbath, we left the city and went down along the river where we had heard there was to be a prayer meeting. We took our place with the women who had gathered there and talked with them. One woman, Lydia, was from Thyatira and a dealer in expensive textiles, known to be a God-fearing woman. As she listened with intensity to what was being said, the Master gave her a trusting heart—and she believed!
15 After she was baptized, along with everyone in her household, she said in a surge of hospitality, “If you’re confident that I’m in this with you and believe in the Master truly, come home with me and be my guests.” We hesitated, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Order My Steps
Paul had a route in mind but God changed it . We must truly be attentive to the leading of the Spirit of God. Our plans just may not be God’s plan. Had Paul went on in his own plans he would have missed the opportunity to fulfill the mission God had planned. The individuals ready for the Gospel . Order my steps daily and keep my heart and ears sensitive to your Spirit. Keep my spiritual senses in tune with You. The path I choose may not be where You want me to walk today. Lead me to the hungry . If You say no so t go that route then help me to be willing to submit to Your voice . In Jesus name…. not my will but Yours .
23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Even though Paul and Silas were beaten then put in stocks, they still prayed and sang praises to the Lord. They had a relationship with God. So their praises were based on that rather than their circumstances. It doesn’t matter what situation you may find yourself in, give praise unto the Lord always.
Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
iLove the Kingdom of Jesus
Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
I guess I never fully put two and two together because I use to think, “Why did Paul get this feller circumcised, especially since in the previous chapter there was a big dispute of whether or not the gentiles needed to follow the law of Moses. Today as I read this the light in the attic came on. Paul didn’t do this to follow the law, he did this “because of the Jews”. He didn’t want the Jews to be offended at his actions. Today people are totally opposite of the attitude Paul had. Today people are like, “I don’t care what folks think, I’m not convicted by such and such and so I’m free. Paul would also go on to say later in his writings that for those who are offended in a liberty he had, that he would rather not offend and be subject to the persons convictions. 1Co 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
The trap of flattery
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
It seemed to be good things this soothsayer way proclaiming about the apostles. Nothing wrong with everyone knowing that they were great men of God. What could it hurt for them to be esteemed throughout the city? Why did Paul give her such hard treatment when she was just telling the truth about who they were?
The answer is that Paul understood the trap of flattery. Flattery leads to destruction on all parts. If you glory in what others say about you then you will also fall because what they say about you. We cannot be moved by the words of men but we must be moved by the Word of God. If God proclaimed with a voice from heaven like he did when Jesus was being baptized, this would not have been flattery but it would have been confirmation. We have to be very careful not to let flattery take the place of conformation.
When men approve you you can only go as far as men can take you, but when God approved you, you can go as far as God will take you. Let us be prayerful and use godly wisdom to know and understand the difference.
If God be for us, who could be against us?
39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
Paul and Silas have just been beaten yet as they leave the city, they are comforting the disciples they are leaving. You know they had to be in pain, stiff and sore, but these men have a father’s heart toward the church there, caring more for the souls than the flesh. What a great example.
Acts of the Apostles 16:25-26
[25]Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.
[26]Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!
Shake the foundations with praise
Glory hallelu
This is what we come to do
Tear down strong holds, break the chains
Bind the devil in jesus name
Tonight (today)we got a right
To shake the foundation with praise
Praise him,
Praise him,
The lord is worthy, the lord is worthy
The lord is worthy, the lord is worthy
Tonight (today) we got a right
To shake the foundation with praise
Tonight (today) we got a right
Tonight (today) we got a right
Tonight (today) we got a right
To shake the foundation with praise
“Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized.”
Acts of the Apostles 16:33 NLT
What it takes to be baptized.
You see many people believe that if they accept Jesus as your personal savior that you’ll be saved. Everybody in the Bible was baptized in Jesus name. Because that’s what it meant to believe on the Lord. To go and get baptized!
“They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.””
Acts of the Apostles 16:31 NLT
AMEN! Good connection of biblical term and action.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;
Peer Pressure
KJV 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
MSG 22 The judges went along with the mob, had Paul and Silas’s clothes ripped off and ordered a public beating.
The Bible clearly tells us that we should not expect our lives to look like the lives of other people in this world. 1 Peter 2:11-12 Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life in your neighborhood so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.
We are not promised an easy life, but a life that glorifies God as we learn lessons that are difficult and overcome attacks that would be impossible to overcome without God. Peer pressure is largely about insecurity and a desire for acceptance for all involved. We must not give in to peer pressure, whatever the situation. Standing up for what we believe and what the Bible teaches will please God. Letting other people decide what we do and how we behave is exactly what the enemy hopes we will do; if we never stand up for what is right because of peer pressure, we are actually standing up for what is wrong.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Paul and Silas was in the middle of a “storm” in their lives, yet they continued praying and worshipping. It is challenging sometimes to pray and worship when you are in the midst of a storm. However, if people can see that we are consistent, even in the storm, or the valley, or whatever the case might be, it will cause them to take notice of our God and like the jailer, it will cause them to ask “how can I have what you have?”
Don’t hide the fact that you are in storm, and don’t hide your prayer and your praise. It draws people to Jesus.
Yes!! I pray that our young believers will be encouraged by our Mission Minded kids. That it will inspire them to seek the Lord and follow Him at a deeper level! I pray that their witness to others will be powerful! In Jesus name!!
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat
Paul and Silas was beaten and thrown in prison for preaching the Gospel, but even through this trial they were a witness to the guard and bring Salvation to his house. Sometimes the Lord puts us in uncomfortable situations for us to be a light to someone and take the Gospel to their house!
LIVE – GIVE JESUS2
LIVE + GIVE = DELIVERANCE
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
We witness the Apostolic Authority of LIVE – GIVE JESUS here. Paul used the authority that he was given by JESUS to Peter, John and now demonstrated by Paul. While Peter and John were able to GIVE JESUS to the lame man to get his life through physical healing. Paul is able to give this damsel her life through deliverance.
We learn from this passage the POWER of JESUS in us is not limited to a certain area or event, but is applicable wherever there is a need to GIVE JESUS to someone.
As we LIVE JESUS over these 40 Days, I pray that we gain the revelation, faith and power to GIVE JESUS as the result of our focused effort to LIVE JESUS.
iRepent
iPraise
iPray
iWork
iLive
iGive
iReap
iGo
iBlessYouInTheNameOfTheLordJESUS
Acts Chapter 16
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Count the cost
Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
I tell you that our pastor has done that and he has felt the weight for the calling he walks in. I have not seen him complain but he keeps going and pressing in to the high calling of Jesus. Phl 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. I do not puff him up but I have seen him in action. I have heard his words to us and observed him in prayer. He totally committed in the training and equipping of us so we may complete our own God given assignments.
Apostle Paul understood the calling he was given. He was willing to walk the walk and talk the talk. Are we? Paul had a person that was a distraction he called out the demon that was possessing her. See verse 18. Her handlers did not like what happened to their cash cow. They could not make a living from her.
They hauled Paul and Barnabas to the city center and made a complaint about them with out allowing them to make a rebuttal. They then beat them and cast them into prison. See verses 25-29
They began to worship at midnight and a earth quake happened causing the Jailer to ask what must I do to be saved because all the prisoners did not escape even though all doors were open. I believe that Paul was not told what would happen in the prison. Just as Joseph did not know he would go through what he went through to help save his family from a seven year drought in Egypt.
This all happened in order that a jailer and family would be given the Gospel and there response was salvation and being baptized in Jesus name.
The cost for Paul and Barnabas was worth the pain and suffering. Our cost for Discipleship is worth it.
“After they had been badly beaten, they were put in jail, and the jailer was told to guard them carefully.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God, while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the jail to its foundations. The doors opened, and the chains fell from all the prisoners.”
Acts 16:23, 25-26 CEV
When you ‘Raise an Hallelujah’ in the midst of your enemy… the strength,peace,comfort and the sound mind Jesus gives is so amazing!!!
These last four months have been trying for me… BUT GOD… As tears fill my eyes just knowing I wasn’t left alone as HE guided me through still waters.
Hallelujah JESUS!!!!
They’ll be many times as we go through the trying of our faith but never fear… these trials are won as we put our faith in Jesus alone♥️
Our victory is in our praise!
Paul and Silas trusted JESUS in all things. The LORD JESUS stayed faithful to them. I guess the question is will you/I?
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27 KJV
“And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.”
Acts 16:13-15 KJV
A most important element in evangelism is asking God through prayer to open hearts, for without this there can be no genuine conversion.
“and brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, and teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.”
Acts 16:20-21 KJV
In ‘giving Jesus’, some will embrace you such as Lydia and some will want no part like the Roman masters. No matter the response, we shouldn’t be deterred in spreading Jesus. I pray we keep the faith and be the overcomer God has already made us to be!
19Her masters’ hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. 20“The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. 21“They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.”
And this still goes on today. Many countries continue to persecute Christians for teaching the Word. Here in the good old USA, the enemy is trying to shut Christians down too. They would love nothing more than to eliminate anything with Christianity from public view. But we must continue and teach the Word no matter what. Stand up against the enemy, stay encouraged, and speak about Jesus.
Acts 16
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praised unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
God works in many mysterious ways. Anything and everything is possible with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We must not take on the burdens. Give it to Jesus!
Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. 1 Peter 5:7
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
We must believe each and every day that we shall see our church grow in double-fold, we must before every day that we will see our lost loved ones saved, and we must believe that we will see our city that is lost and dying saved and overflowing with revival. But it is up to us to activate our faith and believe that those things will happen and they will because God can do anything!!!
v5
From Jerusalem, where God filled the Jews, to Samaria, to the Gentiles at Caesarea the Lord moved the gospel with people who were willing to preach it to everyone.
The addition soon became multiplication as the Spirit- filled believers began sharing their experience with others.
Spread The Word.
Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
They were thankful and glorified God, Who had counted them worthy to suffer for his name’s sake
There is power in praise!!
Psalm 119:62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
Thank you Jesus!!!
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
I do not suppect that the opening of Lydia’s heart was an isolated incident. The Lord does not wish for anyone to perish, but from all, to receive his grace. It is when the Lord opens our heart we have the choice to accept or reject his offer of salvation.
Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison and they still praised God and danced in the spirit in the jail cell. All was taken care of after that. I am asking myself can I be that person that is struck down but not defeated ? Yes Jesus I can do this with your help!
19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
Sin doesn’t like when you call it out. However, we must preach the gospel no matter what. Opposition may come, but our God is greater than any opposition. Through Christ we are more than conquerors, so that makes us winners. We don’t have to fight the battle alone because God is on our side and he’s already won the battle.
thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
“They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.””
Acts of the Apostles 16:31 NLT
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God is the only one who can save us from all sins, the only one who can save us from this world filled with evil and the enemy. I know we all have our stories, and now God has saved you and delivered you and forgave you. See many in this world are influenced by the enemy and he tries to tell them here’s no way. I pray tonight as the Lord’s children we go out there with the wisdom God filled us with, and preach to those hurting show them that God is the only way and he can save them and give them peace and strength.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
Paul and Silas we praising and praying and the prisoners heard them. When we are worshiping and praying people might hear this and want to be saved as well. When we sing our praises unto this is a form worship. I pray tonight that are recognizing the people around us that need Jesus and leading them in the right path to find Him!!!
“Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas.”
Acts of the Apostles 16:7-8 NLT
They were obedient to the Spirit because of their obedient they were able to fulfill God’s will. We must be obedient to the spirit of God, pray ask for guidance because it will allow you to be in God’s will.
3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
All for unity
Sometimes we put extra restrictions or expectations on ourselves for the sake of others. While eating pizza might not be a heaven or hell is sure for me, someone else it might, or it might be that it triggers something else that is a stumbling block for someone. If it becomes a stumbling block, it would be better to have a millstone tied to my neck and be cast into the sea, for the offender. It would cause disunity, causing division, also sin, making it an issue. In which case for unity, we would avoid pizza.
The Word says to be all things to all people.. It says it is easier to win a walled city than a wounded brother. For unity, sometimes we do so we might reach souls…
24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
They were heard. If these men were beaten, and still worshipped so that they were heard by others, why do we pray silently, or sing so softly no one can hear???
“And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.”
Acts 16:18 KJV
There is power in your voice. When you put the name of Jesus in it those things not like him have to leave. We must be bold when we approach these things that are not of god that try and overtake us and those in the kingdom. We have to apply the name of Jesus because his name is powerful and can do anything. Don’t be afraid to speak the name of Jesus.
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
I’m do thankful that we serve a God that changes not. You see God opened her heat and God is still opening the hearts of many lives all around us. The fastly distinct element in this story is The “mouth piece” You see the mouth piece is the one that tells the story so that others can gain knowledge and become hungry for more. It doesn’t have to be their personal story but a testimony of what God is doing will draw lives.
I know that many lives are opening the Word of God and God is personally reviewing to them the mysteries of His Word. Yet, God still desires to use us. He still desire to Word through us. The question is Who will allow Him to Work by being His mouth piece even in the most uncomfortable or comfortable of situations?
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
The keeper of the prison is set free. What a contradiction. That the one whom keep people bound was the one whom God was after to set at liberty.
The very interesting thing to grasp is that sometimes those things that annoy us is the very thing that God is setting up for us to be thrust into his will. Had Paul never said anything and not rebuked the spirit off that girl but kept going about his business. We might have had a total different story. The keeper of the prison perhaps would not have the chance to receive the message and ask about salvation. The whole reason what Paul and Silas being there was to bring the light to one of the darkest places on earth.
If we take notice, the keeper asked right away what must he do to be saved? Which only let’s me know that Paul and Sailas, despite their state in which they were they keep talking about this great salvation. I imagine the keeper overhead as they worshiped and probably prayed for the salvation of the souls on that place. Maybe some asked and they began to talk about it. The fact is that the keeper at least knew that Paul could show him the way to be saved.
Yes it was difficult. Yes it was painful, yes it was not what they deserved and all been Paul reacted to something that was annoying him. After all what was being said by that soothsayer was the truth.
Yet even in the little things of life, God does not miss the details. He probably knew how Paul would react.
Yet before we drown in our circumstances and pains we should look around to see if God is allowing someone else to see our worship in the middle of the pain. Our prayer in the darkness of our lives. That maybe the very thing that is witnessing and destroying yokes on the lives of people. Let us remember that God heard their worship and prayer. And caused the Lord to respond with an earthquake. It says that the bands of all where loosed. I think that was more than a material and physical thing, but rather the bondage of what blocked the light of the gospel to them that were there was loosed.
Revival broke out in the prison and it started with the keeper being set free.
May our times of trial bring a prayer and a worship that causes an earthquake and chains to break in Jesus name.
“This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.”
Acts of the Apostles 16:18 NLT
There’s power in the name of Jesus when we speak the name of Jesus with authority strongholds break, chain are lose, and devils flees at the mention of His name. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Let speak the name of Jesus everywhere for His name is life and healing.
20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
The world will always have something to say about the things we do for God. They will not agree with what we do, what we believe in, or the way we teach. To the point as in Paul and Silas’s case were it gets them thrown in prison.
24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
But we have to remember that it’s our praise that gets us out of those tight spots. Even when someone doesn’t like us, praise him anyways. Even when someone doesn’t agree with us, praise him anyways. Even when someone wants to send us to jail, praise him anyways. That praise will be the thing that frees us from our own prison.
One thing that stood out to me is Paul and Silas were in the houses of many people. In this chapter they went to Lydia’s and the jailor.
I remember not too long ago fellowshipping at someone house after church. It wasn’t much sandwiches or breakfast foods just something simple. Everyone would bring something to lighten the load. I miss that. Be Church!
“But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Acts 16:28, 30 KJV
So many times when we are in trouble we pray not to be in that trouble. We don’t want to “go to prison”. We don’t want to be “chained.” But, it is not hen we are in these situations that God can use us the most. When people see the miracle that God uses to get us out of our situation, He gets the glory. People ask, how did that happen? How can I have that happen for me? Jesus is always the answer. We don’t always understand his methods, be He has reasons that we all go through things.