Paul and his co-missionary Silas where arrested one day because they dared to rebuke an evil spirit in the course of sharing the good news of salvation. (Acts Chapter 16). As a result they were beaten, their clothes were torn and they were put in the inner prison with their feet bound in stocks.They were being punished for doing God’s work.
As they sat together waiting in chains, they had a number of options.
1) They could have complained to God about how He had forsaken them in the face of their obedience or about how they were receiving a poor reward for their pursuit of His will.
2) They could have cursed those that persecuted them and commanded them to become blind. And they might have been justified.
But rather they did something we will all find very strange…
They started singing songs of praise to God. They worshipped him from their heart. They probably told him that in spite of their trials, they did not doubt that He was still the Great and Mighty God, Great in counsel, mighty in deed. The other prisoners heard their songs and must have wondered what manner of man they were.
The next thing everyone knew was that there was a mighty earthquake. The foundations of the prison shook; the doors flung open and everyone’s chains were loosed.
That night Paul and Silas became free men.
What accounted for the earthquake and their miraculous deliverance. Psalm 22:3 gives us a clue. It says - God inhabits the Praises of His people.
Just take a moment to imagine…
They praised God! God heard and His heart was drawn to the love and faith they had in Him; so He came down and entered into the prison. The foundations shook because no building can contain God and remain the same.
(
His promise to inhabit our praises is all the solution we need because no problem can really stand in the face of our Almighty God. This reminds me somewhat of Incredible Hulk and His clothes, if you know what I mean.)
God's presence in response to their praise, led to an earthquake and their freedom.
Wonderful story about how we need to keep our focus on God regardless of our trials and problems. In everything, let us give thanks. God is bigger than every problem we may be facing.
Showing posts with label Freedom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Freedom. Show all posts
Monday, December 3, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Absolutes Are Better
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. I Corinthians 10:23
Many years ago I took a decision to stay away from alcoholic drinks. That means whatever the case I will not drink. I didn’t take that decision because I felt it is a sin to drink alcohol. Obviously it is a sin to get drunk (tipsy is drunk!) or fall under the influence of alcohol; it is w
rong to prioritize social drinking to the detriment of taking care of the family.
But then what happens if I take a little glass of wine at a corporate dinner – that’s where I often get faced with making a choice. I don’t think it would be wrong to drink a little, but I still say NO!
Why? Because I have long learnt that ABSOLUTES ARE BETTER.
In any situation where the flesh or mind can develop a strong craving that does not glorify God, then it is better to abstain; even where a little is okay.
Very few plan to get drunk at the first sip of wine; or to become lifetime drunkards at the first mouthful of beer….
Many never plan sex at the first passionate kiss outside wedlock;
When passing on the juicy details of friends affairs; it’s hardly clear that one day your friend will get to know where the rumor started from.
I used to have problems with soap opera’s. Once I started watching, it consumed my whole attention. I dedicated the one hour of the soap to the soap alone. That translated to postponing or canceling any other appointment – official or spiritual to make sure I don’t miss any episode. The day I realized the influence on my life was too strong, I decided to stop watching them.
In life we cannot make choices based on what is right or wrong alone, but also on what is expedient and what adds value to life. Whatever doesn’t add value is best avoided.
Here is a site with interesting christian quotes. I hope you find it useful
http://www.christianquotes.org/index.php
Many years ago I took a decision to stay away from alcoholic drinks. That means whatever the case I will not drink. I didn’t take that decision because I felt it is a sin to drink alcohol. Obviously it is a sin to get drunk (tipsy is drunk!) or fall under the influence of alcohol; it is w
rong to prioritize social drinking to the detriment of taking care of the family.But then what happens if I take a little glass of wine at a corporate dinner – that’s where I often get faced with making a choice. I don’t think it would be wrong to drink a little, but I still say NO!
Why? Because I have long learnt that ABSOLUTES ARE BETTER.
In any situation where the flesh or mind can develop a strong craving that does not glorify God, then it is better to abstain; even where a little is okay.
Very few plan to get drunk at the first sip of wine; or to become lifetime drunkards at the first mouthful of beer….
Many never plan sex at the first passionate kiss outside wedlock;
When passing on the juicy details of friends affairs; it’s hardly clear that one day your friend will get to know where the rumor started from.
I used to have problems with soap opera’s. Once I started watching, it consumed my whole attention. I dedicated the one hour of the soap to the soap alone. That translated to postponing or canceling any other appointment – official or spiritual to make sure I don’t miss any episode. The day I realized the influence on my life was too strong, I decided to stop watching them.
In life we cannot make choices based on what is right or wrong alone, but also on what is expedient and what adds value to life. Whatever doesn’t add value is best avoided.
Here is a site with interesting christian quotes. I hope you find it useful
http://www.christianquotes.org/index.php
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