Gods Word: 

Acts 12:4–5 (GNB)

After his arrest Peter was put in jail, where he was handed over to be guarded by four groups of four soldiers each. Herod planned to put him on trial in public after Passover. So Peter was kept in jail, but the people of the church were praying earnestly to God for him.

My Thoughts:

As we meditate on these verses, it appears like the end had come for Peter – because he was placed in the custody of 16 soldiers by King Herod. They even slept chained together with Peter to make sure that he could not escape from them. Now let’s get the picture: Peter was head of the church at that time. Herod, the king, was in charge over the land and doing everything possible to flaunt his power. Herod knew that the Jews were opposed to this new line of preaching that Peter brought, as it opposed their views. So we see where we have Peter (God’s man) on one side, and we have Herod (being egged on by the Jews) on the opposing side. Herod is doing everything to show his power – just in verse 2 we are told how he put James, the brother of John to death. Now in these verses we are told of his intentions with Peter. But friends, pay attention to the fact that in the middle of all this we are told that ‘The Church’ was earnestly praying to God for Peter! I can assure you Brother, that there is nothing more satisfying and calming than to know that fellow Christians are praying for you! Sisters are great at chatting with each other, but there is nothing more comforting to a Sister, than when she knows that her support group, her fellow Christian sisters are taking her needs, in love, before the God of this universe! He is our hope friends! No matter the circumstances and no matter how grim the next moment may appear, there is hope for the Christian!

Challenge: 

Do you know this Jesus of mine, friend? Without a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus, you are absent of this ‘HOPE’. On whom will you call when you have reached the ‘end of your rope’ and need help? Please contact me today and allow me to introduce you to my Lord? He is the only ‘Hope’ that we have for our every need, including our eternal future when we leave this old world! I have that ‘Hope’ and I would love for you to have the same! Why not speak with a Bible-teaching pastor today that you may know, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@Outlook.Com. This could be a day of ‘Hope’ for you that you will never forget!

Prayer:

Precious Lord, thank You for the ‘Hope’ given to those that love You and have accepted the gift of salvation available to ALL from you! Please touch the hearts and souls of those that may meditate on this devotional today, and impress upon them the importance of accepting You as Lord. Show them Your love in multiple ways today and confirm through various sources the need to make this decision while they are still able to do so. Thank You for this marvelous ‘Hope’ that I have in knowing that You are with me at all times and through every situation, and that at the end of this life here on earth I will be eternally in Your presence in Heaven – my final destination!! Praise be to God for the wonderful ‘Hope’ that I have!