“...about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God….” Acts 16:25

    Pretend you do not know the context of these words. It sounds like two men were simply engaging in  a late night devotional.

   However, a close look at the context paints a different picture. The setting was a cold, dark prison. The men, Paul and Silas, had just received a severe beating with rods! With bleeding backs and uncertainty as to what lay ahead, they prayed and sang hymns to God!    Remarkable!

   Even more amazing is how God “concluded” the devotional. Instead of a closing prayer, the earth started shaking violently!  Chains began to snap and shackles fell to the ground!  In a few moments, every prisoner was free!  A few hours later, an inquisitive jailor along with his family experienced ultimate freedon in Jesus Christ!

   All because two men decided to pray and sing instead of complain and worry!

   You and I may never be beaten or imprisoned for doing good, but we will find ourselves in undesirable circumstances from time to time.  When this occurs, we can murmur and complain or pray and sing praises to God.  Try the “devotional” route.  God may not conclude your devotional with an earthquake, be He may end it with a surprise!

   Who knows?  Your example may lead others to ultimate freedom!

Are you prepared for the next life RIGHT NOW? Paul wrote, "Behold, now is be accepted time; now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2). Won't you accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God and obey him today? If you are ready to repent of your sins, confess your faith and be baptized into Jesus Christ, give me a call (734 439 -7318). I would be delighted to HELP YOU PREPARE FOR THE NEXT LIFE TODAY!

May God richly bless you and yours!

Dennis Swindle, Sr.