Devotionals for October 30, 2024
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READ
Acts 16:16-24
Paul and Silas in Prison
16 One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.”
18 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.
19 Her 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.”
22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.
Paul and Silas in Prison
16 One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.”
18 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.
19 Her 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.”
22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.
REFLECT
Paul saved that slave girl. However, this didn’t go over well with her masters. They lost income and were not happy about it. In fact, both Paul and Silas were beaten and jailed for it. The story doesn’t end there though. We will read what happened next in tomorrow’s devotion. Today’s good news is that the Gospel is for the Slaves! It’s not just for the well-to-do Merchants that we read about yesterday. It’s also for the used, abused, trapped, and oppressed. How Great is our God! He has modeled how to love as true citizens of His kingdom.
APPLY
Q: What was the slave girl shouting? Was it the truth?
Q: Do you feel enslaved to your demons, addictions, or past? How can you break free from these once and for all?
Q: Your story is a powerful witness to God! How can you use your life experiences to minister to others, regardless of their state in life?
Q: Do you feel enslaved to your demons, addictions, or past? How can you break free from these once and for all?
Q: Your story is a powerful witness to God! How can you use your life experiences to minister to others, regardless of their state in life?
SING
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Heavenly Father - I’m so glad that You aren’t finished yet with me. You chase me down and keep calling me back. Thank you for your undeserved favor and amazing grace! You always give me what I need Lord.
Heavenly Father - I’m so glad that You aren’t finished yet with me. You chase me down and keep calling me back. Thank you for your undeserved favor and amazing grace! You always give me what I need Lord.